Will running alone get me in shape?

Question

I'm 5'1, 125lbs and I'm looking to lose weight and get toned. I've started running 4 miles a day (on the treadmill - where I live it is unreasonable to run outdoors) 4 days each week. I run that in about 45 minutes, though I'm trying to go faster. Will that alone get me in shape? Or, if I really want to get my abs in shape, do I need to add other types of exercise?

Thank you!

Thank you for all the responses so far. I also want to add that I've been keeping track of what I eat, trying to eat healthy, taking vitamins, and drinking a lot of water. I am thinking about incorporating a half hour ab workout in 3 days a week as I heard that if I do an ab workout every day that my body will just get used to it and I won't see the same results.

Answer 1

a proper diet is vital. and dont try to run faster, just run longer. you dont start burning till you've been running for a while. sit-ups r always easy but dnt strain your back and you DONT need to reach your knees for them to be effective! running is great for you and will prob do very well at getting you into shape. gd luck!

Answer 2

I have the same insecurities with seeing people I know when I go running, that's why I go in the early morning. About 5 or 6 usually so there's not so many people and it's not dark. You should find a place to run without many main roads and always be aware of on-coming traffic. Be sure to know the track you're running on so you can get back home. I've ran into people (not literally) from school and just given them a quick smile and keep going - no-one thinks anything of it. You shouldn't be worried, but I understand how you feel. A few years ago when I started walking to school, my Dad bought me an alarm that I always keep in my hand while running. If someone threatens me, I just need to pull a silver chain and a noise will shock the attacker and bring attention to me for help. I've never needed to use it but I feel more secure having it on me while I'm running. It also has a button on it with a flashlight which is really handy. You can buy them at electronics and sporting stores. I'd never go running without mine. I also only keep one earphone in on my iPod so I won't lose track of my surroundings or become too caught up in the music.

Answer 3

Running is a great way to get into shape. This is cardiovascular, and it will burn fat. 4 days a week? Here is what I would suggest-several things: 1. add 2 days a week where you walk fast on the incline for the same amount of time, this way you're "cross training" and not thrashing your knees so much.
2. Watch your diet. Consider this: cut your portions in half, especially at night. Try to not eat anything else after 7:30. Cut way back on these foods, and just have them several times a day: cheeses, sodas, fast foods, fried foods, sugary treats, fast foods. You should see a huge dif when you incorporate these things.

Answer 4

ok since i have been trying to do the same thing i can give you some advice. running is the only way to lose weight especially if u want to lose your belly fat. but it's gonna take a while. so after running take a little break and do some push ups and train your mussles. use anything they have in the gym. but if u want abs u will have to lose the fat first otherwise they won't show. you may have them under it. good luck. i need to lose the belly too...:P

Answer 5

Improve Your Running Technique Now!

Answer 6

I think it depends on your a age the older u get your metabolism slows down. when i was around 25 yrs. to loose weight i all I had to do is walk the lake by my home everyday about twice a day the lake is 3.5 miles a day. I lost 30 pounds just walking alone and ate what i wanted, but now its harder I'm 29 and just walking is not helping no-more!

Answer 7

Add some sit-ups for you core and possibly some push-up but running with a decent diet will help you lose weight.

Answer 8

Sure why not??? Running will get your legs in shape, but if you want to tone down your abs, try sit-ips

Answer 9

Running will help you lose weight, but to strengthen your abs you should try doing sit-ups, crunches, or other ab exercises.

Answer 10

yes it will get you in shape and if you want muscular abs try doing sit ups- start off with 10 then work your way up to doing 100 sit ups a day and STICK TO IT!!!