Weight loss requires burning calories and there is nothing more efficient or practical for doing that than running. It does not take a lot of expensive equipment. You do not have to join a fancy health club. You do not need a special place to perform your exercise. Running is as simple as strapping on a pair of running shoes and hitting the road. Many people prefer to use the local trails or school tracks if the roads are too congested with traffic. But for the most part just about any location will do.

Running helps combat fat and obesity. The beginner, and particularly someone that is over-weight, should not take off and try to run without getting a health check at from their doctor. Ideally they should start out walking and gradually build up until they are running. Some people may only be able to walk a few hundred feet at a moderate pace. But every time you go for your fitness walk/run you should try to add distance to the route. At some point your goal will not only include distance but also time.

Getting a good pair of running shoes will help your comfort and form as you try to build up to running. Perhaps if you are starting out walking you can get a good pair of walking shoes but once you build up to running then you should get a good pair of running shoes. A good athletic store can help you find the right type to purchase. Many runners like to use a heart rate monitor. They are recommended not only for the experienced athlete but also for those who exercise for recreation. It will help you determine if you are working out in a Zone that is suitable for fitness and caloric burn.

The goal here is to lose weight. Most experts agree that running is one of the best ways to lose unwanted pounds. You want to burn calories and get fit. Walking is one of the most popular activities that people do for fitness. Unfortunately most walks are only strolls and the vast majorities never really get their heart rate up. Walking could and should be a warm-up to running. Eventually you want to make your exercise rigorous both for the weight loss as well as getting in shape.

Losing weight takes effort and motivation. Running can help you achieve that goal. Very few activities burn calories they way it can if the activity is pursued in a vigorous manner.