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A Beginner's Guide to Running for Weight Loss: Diet & Fitness Tips

How to lose weight and maintain with healthy diet and mindset!


Running for weight loss for beginners

Running is not only beneficial for the cardiovascular system and mental health; it can also help you lose weight.


How long it takes you to see the results depends on several factors, including your 

  • Initial fitness level
  • Current weight
  • Target weight
  • Healthy Diet

A 2013 study compared walking with running and found that runners lost significantly more weight.

Here's how to start running for beginners and how often you need to run to lose weight: A complete beginner's guide to running for weight loss.

Does Running Help You Lose Weight?

You must be in a calorie-deficit state to lose weight, which means you consume fewer calories than you burn. Since running burns a lot of calories, it can help you lose weight.



The amount of calories you burn while running depends on several factors such as your weight, age, speed, and duration.

How to Get Started ?

Before you start running for weight loss, you need to know the following basic knowledge:

  1. Frequency 
  2. Warm-up
  3. Cool-down
  4. Total time

Running Tips for Beginners To Lose Weight

Here are some great tips to start running to lose weight.

1. Start Slowly

When you are just starting running for weight loss, it is crucial to start slowly to avoid injury and burnout.

Starting too fast, too early can also be mentally challenging.



  • Run-walk run method: The run-walk-run method is one way to start slow, alternating running with walking. There should be a day's rest between each exercise.
  • Increase speed with time: Once you get comfortable with running for more extended periods, you can gradually increase your running speed.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

You are more likely to see results if you also pay attention to your diet. If you reduce the calorie intake to lose weight, you should still maintain a balanced and healthy diet.


Here are some tips for eating a healthy diet:



  • Eat more vegetables and fruits
  • Focus on whole grains
  • Eat healthy fats
  • Limit processed foods
  • Ditch added sugars
  • Don’t drink your calories

One review found that obese or overweight adults lost more weight in the long term through a combined diet and exercise plan than the diet plan alone.

8 foods every runner needs to lose weight and maintain fitness



  1. Water
  2. Avocado
  3. Nuts
  4. Eggs
  5. Frozen berries
  6. Whole grains
  7. Lean beef
  8. Full-fat Greek yogurt

3. Add Strength Training

Strength training reduces the risk of running-related injuries and speeds up your metabolism, so your muscles burn more calories even at rest.


To get started with strength training, try bodyweight exercises like squats and push-ups.



Once you feel comfortable doing squats without weights, you can add them up gradually.

review found that regular strength training can increase muscle strength, resting metabolic rate, and total fat-free mass in both men and women.

4. Increase Intensity

One way to increase running intensity is to include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, which involves high-intensity repetitive movements - followed by recovery time.


For example, you could sprint for a certain period, then jog at a slow pace and repeat.



HIIT workouts tend to burn a lot more calories than traditional exercise, especially after training.

One study found that women who completed six weeks of sprint interval training experienced an average of 8% body fat loss.

How Much You Should Run To Lose Weight


Because everyone is different, there is no specific amount of running that will help you lose weight. Also, the number on the scale shouldn't be your only focus.


Tips To Stay Motivated


Motivation tips for every runner 

  • Set goals
  • Be competitive
  • Reward yourself
  • Get into a group groove
  • Change your running path
  • Dress for the workout you want to do

Note: Running is an excellent form of cardio and a great way to lose weight. All you have to do is be patient, knowing that this is a journey of weeks and months. And, if you are patient, you would see good results from your running efforts.

Running for Weight Loss: Takeaway

Before starting any weight loss or exercise program, you should consult a doctor. 



If you are a beginner runner, you need to start gradually to avoid injury and burnout. Also, you are more likely to enjoy running and stick to your workout plan if you start slowly.


It is also essential to combine running with a healthy diet, which will make you feel better and improve your overall health.

Contact us today! Receive a complimentary 3-day pass to our studio in Lancaster. Try our classes, boot camp or a general workout to see if it’s a good fit!

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By Ladies First Fitness April 3, 2025
If you’re like most people, then you probably don’t spend much time exercising. Whether it’s because you don’t know where to begin or that you feel uncomfortable in a gym setting, there are many people who stay away from working out. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t start an exercise program if you want to. In fact, starting today is the best time to start. After all, it will be easier to continue a new activity once it becomes a habit. This article provides helpful tips and advice to help establish an exercise routine as a new person who wants to get started with working out. If you follow these suggestions and activities consistently over time, then your chances of forming a new habit increase significantly. Find an Activity You Like When you first decide to get active, it’s important to choose a type of exercise that you actually enjoy. This is key to starting a new habit and making consistent exercise a part of your daily routine. When you find an activity that you enjoy, it will be easier to keep up with it. By finding an activity that you are interested in, you can avoid the frustration that comes with starting a new exercise routine and get the most out of your time. One way to find an activity you like is to make a list of all of the things that you would love to do more often. Then, start with the top items on your list and find ways to make them part of your schedule. For example, you may love to go hiking or running, but you don’t have access to any of these activities in your area. Instead, you could try to find a nearby walking trail that you can walk on regularly. Another way to find an activity you like is to make a list of all of your favorite activities. Then, look at how you can incorporate these activities into your daily routine. For example, if you love to play hockey and football, try to set aside some time during the week to practice your skills. Be SMART When You Start an Exercise Program When you first decide to start an exercise program, it’s important to think about your long-term goals. This will help you determine what type of exercise program you should follow. One way to get the most out of your exercise program is to follow one that follows a specific set of guidelines. This is known as a specific mixed-duration program, which is an effective way of burning calories and building muscle. Additionally, it will help to follow an exercise program that is based around a specific type of exercise. For example, if you’re looking to quickly get into shape, then it would be wise to follow a circuit-training program that focuses on repetitive exercises. This is known as high-intensity interval training, which has been shown to help to increase muscle mass more quickly. Make a Plan When you get started with an exercise plan, it’s important to put in some thought into the plan that you choose. 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For example, if you want to get into better shape, then perhaps you want to hit a certain weight or fitness level. However, you may want to keep your goals more general in nature, such as wanting to be healthier or happier. It’s important to make sure that you set goals that help you to reach your overall goals, but also keep you grounded and realistic. Do Some Basic Stretching and Core Work When you first get started with an exercise plan, it’s important to focus on a few basic components that will help you to be more consistent. One way to ease into a new exercise program is to focus on a few basic components that can help to make the transition easier. One of these components is to do some basic stretching before you get started. When you do some stretching before you start working out, it can help to reduce your risk of injury by helping to relieve some of the soreness that you may feel in your muscles. 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When you find an activity that you enjoy and that also fits with your schedule and lifestyle, then you will be much more likely to make it a part of your daily routine. Let’s discuss more about exercise according to your needs. Click here Contact us today! Receive a complimentary 3-day pass . Try our classes, bootcamp or a general workout to see if it’s a good fit!
By Ladies First Fitness April 3, 2025
VIP...BUT MAKE IT PLATINUM
By Ladies First Fitness April 3, 2025
Are you eager to shed those extra pounds and get in shape for summer? Losing 20 pounds in 6 weeks might seem daunting, but with the right approach and dedication, it's entirely achievable. Benefits of Joining the 6-Week Challenge at Our All-Women Gym 💪 1. Faster Results – This structured program is designed to help you build strength, burn fat, and boost endurance in just six weeks. With expert guidance, you’ll see noticeable progress quickly. 🍏 2. Personalized Support – Get expert coaching, customized workouts, and accountability check-ins to keep you on track every step of the way. 🔥 3. Motivation & Accountability – Stay committed with a supportive community of like-minded women, trainers, and workout partners who push you to do your best. 🧘‍♀️ 4. Variety of Workouts – Experience a mix of strength training, Bootcamp , cardio, and flexibility exercises to keep workouts exciting and effective. 🍎 5. Nutrition Guidance – Learn how to fuel your body the right way with expert advice, meal planning tips, and healthy eating strategies. 🚀 6. Boost Confidence & Energy – Feel stronger, more energized, and confident as you build a sustainable fitness routine. 👩‍👧 7. Full Gym Access & Amenities – Enjoy access to our sauna, steam room, workout classes, and childcare services during your challenge. 🎯 8. Achievable & Sustainable Goals – This challenge isn’t just about short-term results—it’s about building habits that last beyond six weeks. 🔥 9. Exclusive Perks & Discounts – Participants may receive special discounts on memberships, classes, or personal training after completing the challenge. ⏳ 10. Limited-Time Opportunity – With only a few spots available, this challenge is the perfect opportunity to prioritize your health and fitness NOW! Ready to transform your body and mindset? Sign up today! 🚀💖
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If you’re like most people, then you probably don’t spend much time exercising. Whether it’s because you don’t know where to begin or that you feel uncomfortable in a gym setting, there are many people who stay away from working out. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t start an exercise program if you want to. In fact, starting today is the best time to start. After all, it will be easier to continue a new activity once it becomes a habit. This article provides helpful tips and advice to help establish an exercise routine as a new person who wants to get started with working out. If you follow these suggestions and activities consistently over time, then your chances of forming a new habit increase significantly. Find an Activity You Like When you first decide to get active, it’s important to choose a type of exercise that you actually enjoy. This is key to starting a new habit and making consistent exercise a part of your daily routine. When you find an activity that you enjoy, it will be easier to keep up with it. By finding an activity that you are interested in, you can avoid the frustration that comes with starting a new exercise routine and get the most out of your time. One way to find an activity you like is to make a list of all of the things that you would love to do more often. Then, start with the top items on your list and find ways to make them part of your schedule. For example, you may love to go hiking or running, but you don’t have access to any of these activities in your area. Instead, you could try to find a nearby walking trail that you can walk on regularly. Another way to find an activity you like is to make a list of all of your favorite activities. Then, look at how you can incorporate these activities into your daily routine. For example, if you love to play hockey and football, try to set aside some time during the week to practice your skills. Be SMART When You Start an Exercise Program When you first decide to start an exercise program, it’s important to think about your long-term goals. This will help you determine what type of exercise program you should follow. One way to get the most out of your exercise program is to follow one that follows a specific set of guidelines. This is known as a specific mixed-duration program, which is an effective way of burning calories and building muscle. Additionally, it will help to follow an exercise program that is based around a specific type of exercise. For example, if you’re looking to quickly get into shape, then it would be wise to follow a circuit-training program that focuses on repetitive exercises. This is known as high-intensity interval training, which has been shown to help to increase muscle mass more quickly. Make a Plan When you get started with an exercise plan, it’s important to put in some thought into the plan that you choose. Depending on your situation, there are many different ways that you can structure your plan. For example, you could follow a daily schedule, follow a weekly schedule, or try a different model altogether. It’s important to find a plan that works for you and your schedule. For example, if you work full-time, then following a daily schedule may be best. However, if you’re the type of person who is more likely to get in shape if you have more hours in your day, then following a weekly schedule may be a better option. Whatever plan you choose, it’s important to make sure that you stick to it consistently. Set Goals When you set goals for yourself, it helps to keep you motivated and on track. It can be difficult to stick with a daily routine if you don’t have a goal in sight. Setting short-term goals helps to keep you focused and on track, while also offering a way to celebrate the small wins along the way. It can be helpful to set some big goals along the way. For example, if you want to get into better shape, then perhaps you want to hit a certain weight or fitness level. However, you may want to keep your goals more general in nature, such as wanting to be healthier or happier. It’s important to make sure that you set goals that help you to reach your overall goals, but also keep you grounded and realistic. Do Some Basic Stretching and Core Work When you first get started with an exercise plan, it’s important to focus on a few basic components that will help you to be more consistent. One way to ease into a new exercise program is to focus on a few basic components that can help to make the transition easier. One of these components is to do some basic stretching before you get started. When you do some stretching before you start working out, it can help to reduce your risk of injury by helping to relieve some of the soreness that you may feel in your muscles. Additionally, it also helps to reduce the risk of injury due to increased flexibility, which can help to improve your overall posture and balance. Don’t Forget to Drink Water! When you start an exercise plan, it’s important to focus on a few key components that will help you to become more consistent. One of these components is to make sure that you drink enough water. It may seem like a small component, but it can make a big impact when you’re trying to form a new habit. When you don’t drink enough water, it can increase your risk of injury as your body is working harder to maintain its normal fluid levels. Additionally, it can also lead to a decrease in athletic performance and a decrease in overall energy. By drinking enough water before and during your workout, your body will be able to exercise more efficiently and at a higher intensity. This can help to boost your overall fitness and help to improve your strength and endurance. Take a Break Between Sessions When you first get started with an exercise plan, it’s important to try to avoid taking a break in between sessions. Taking frequent breaks in between your exercise sessions can be detrimental to your attempts to form a new habit. When you take frequent breaks, it can be difficult to get back into your routine and to feel like you’re getting the most out of your time and effort. It’s important to make the effort to push yourself during your workout sessions, even when you’re not feeling particularly energetic. This can help to build a consistent feeling of pressure and commitment that can help to ensure that you continue working out on a consistent basis. Conclusion Starting a new exercise program can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, if you follow the tips and advice provided in this article, then you can make the transition much easier. When you find an activity that you enjoy and that also fits with your schedule and lifestyle, then you will be much more likely to make it a part of your daily routine. Let’s discuss more about exercise according to your needs. Click here Contact us today! Receive a complimentary 3-day pass . Try our classes, bootcamp or a general workout to see if it’s a good fit!
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