Around five million American women take up running as the core of their exercise regimen. This level of running frenzy should not surprise anyone. Running is the one exercise that provides an easy way for anyone to strengthen bones, build up muscles, and of course, burn calories.

Let's face ...Around five million American women take up running as the core of their exercise regimen. This level of running frenzy should not surprise anyone. Running is the one exercise that provides an easy way for anyone to strengthen bones, build up muscles, and of course, burn calories.

Let's face it; a big chunk of the running statistics in women became zealous about running because of its effectiveness in blasting away excess weight. And all those talk about bolstered energy levels and reduced stress come only as a spin-off reward. Think about this, almost 500 calories are burned in less than an hour of running. What other regular exercise program can give you that? And that's without cumbersome equipment.

Serious runners who devote at least forty-five minutes everyday for running can lose an average of one pound every week. So if you can stick to a program like this for six months, you can say goodbye to about 24 pounds of excess weight; plus you get a lot of good mood, not to mention stronger muscles and bones.

Indeed, almost anyone can benefit from running. But you just can't go out the door and let your feet eat up some miles without taking some very important steps. If you are careless about this activity, all your enthusiasm may turn into frustration. So here are some tips to set you off to a good start.

Medical Check Up

This is a must for beginners. Before you even start to trot, you need to visit your doctor to know if you are prone to a heart attack. If anyone in your family has suffered from any heart condition or if you have hypertension and high cholesterol levels or if you are a heavy smoker and drinker, you need to weed out your personal risk factors so that your running days will be safer and much more effective in bringing you closer to your goals.

Start Small And Slow

It is a common story; beginners who bought the latest designs in sports shoes and apparels and trying to get a slot in the New York Marathon. Well, being new to running, you will have that exhilarating feeling and you will be full of motivation. But there's a big chance that all the drive will be gone before the week is over, especially if you begin to feel the muscle pains common during the first few days.

Therefore, you are better off starting small. Take things slowly at first. Expert runners even say that you should begin by walking for half an hour at first; when you are able to do this easily without huffing and puffing, only then can you prepare for the actual running. And do not confuse good shoes with expensive ones.

Schedule Your Running Days

To make running an integral part of your weight loss program, you need to chart it on your calendar. This simple, but often overlooked, task will help you stick to your workout. Adding a new habit to your life is never easy, unless it is about eating junk food or being a couch potato. It is only fitting that you put the idea of running in writing and on something that you take a look at everyday; your calendar is the best place to put your running schedule.

If you are running to lose unwanted fat, then there is no doubt that you are doing one of the best weight loss and fitness workouts available. Always remember that running is supposed to be fun; after all, it all started as a playtime for kids. As for your fat, there are some lumpy areas of your body that running just can't break. For stubborn fat deposits, use products like Celrase to reduce the flab. Visit http://tinyurl.com/8jkw6ma for more information.

Author's Bio: 

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine www.thearticleinsiders.com.