We spoke to scores of women about why they lace up and how you – even if you’re new – can reap more benefits from every kay. Read their stories, make a plan and chart your own course...
TO SLIM DOWN
For those wanting to lose weight, running is appealing: you don’t have to drag your butt to the gym or awkwardly use equipment while others check you out; you can just slip on your takkies and, ta-da, you’re ready to roll. Dropping kilos was a huge incentive for 36-year old Bonnie Wilson. She lost 40 kilos – and has kept them off for eight years. “I still feel self-conscious at the gym, but running taught me how strong I am and how much I can handle,” she explains. Amen!
MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU
If you’re a newbie, ease into it, says running coach Michael Meliniotis. Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week. Then add one interval workout per week (no more than that, to reduce injury risk). Not only will you blast more kJs in less time, but a recent study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found HIIT workouts may tame your appetite.
TO DE-STRESS
Alisha Perkins, 33, felt so uneasy when her husband travelled for work that her mom had to sleep over. When a therapist could only lessen the anxiety – not stop it altogether – Perkins found relief in a regular run.
This story is from the April 2018 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
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This story is from the April 2018 edition of Women's Health South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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