Why don't I ever get tired ... no matter how much I run?

Question

About a year ago I was a bit overweight (chubby) and I couldn't even run for a minute without sweating and being out of breath.

I've been doing aerobic exercises for about a year now, altering my diet (I don't eat junk food ever, not even in moderation. I read labels, etc. And I really don't have any cravings for junk food, I don't care. I stopped eating red meat too)

Now I'm alot leaner, and when I run on my treadmill I set it on speed 7.5... which is quite fast, it's like running. And after about 30 minutes of doing it, I lose 400+ calories and that's when I start sweating and getting tired...

How can I exercise effectively (sweating, getting tired) instead of running like crazy on the treadmill...?

Answer 1

increase your workout time

Answer 2

You have the stamina to run for 30 minuts or more and are complaining about not becoming tired?

Wish I had your problem... ;)

"Sweating and getting tired" is not the mark of efficient exercise. Sweating is involved, since your body is trying to void waste heat. You may be lucky enough through combination of physionomy, biology, genetics, and metabolism, and actually have a "runner's body." If you do, enjoy it, try it out, and see how good you can be. Who knows, the Olympics could be beckoning! ;)

Seriously, you can tell you are making progress when you can feel a mild ache in your muscles, and a *slight* catch in your breath. (Shows your working your limits, but not pushing past them.) The ache is a build-up or lactic acid, which results from the muscles burning sugars without the presence of oxygen. The catch in your breath is you doing more than your lungs can "keep-up" with.

Part of the problem / perception you have right now is that you remember how much effort you had to expend to make it to where you are, and you don't understand why things are so easy now... Once you reach a level of fitness, you only have to exert half the effort to maintain what you have, as you needed to make it there. The only caveat would be that you would still ahve to perform a minimum of 20-30 minutes with your hear rate in "the zone."

If you're still in school, talk to your Phys-Ed teacher. If you're not, contact a professional (and licensed) Trainer. (S)he should ideally have a degree in Physical Education. They should be able to help you figure a work-out that will keep you satisfied.

Edit: Calorie storage - this phenomenon occurs because the body thinks the effort level you've sustained is where it should be operating, so when you cut back, you body still expects you to be expending all the calories you were, so it socks them away

Answer 3

You need to do a variety of activities. The more you do one activity, the more efficient your body gets at it. Be careful not to overtrain or your body will start storing calories when you eat because it is afraid you use too many when working out.
That happened to me... A couple years ago I was underweight and worked out too much. I could run ten miles like nothing, even came in third out of ninety people in a twenty mile race at five feet tall, yeah I know how you feel about short people but I'm 24 not getting any taller. Over the past year I put on a lot of weight now I have to work to lose it. Part of my training is working out much less to get my body balanced again..
anyway. If your gym has group fitness, try some classes. Step aerobics, kickboxing, pilates, etc. workout videos are great too. Spinning class will kick anyone's butt.

Answer 4

running is the way to go i'd say. If you want, try some of those aerobic videos. You don't get tired right away because you are so much more healthier from excersing. Running also gives your body a rush, doctors say don't run before bed because you will not sleep easily, or fall asleep easy in other words. The point is to get cardiovascular excersise. That gets your heart pumping and will wear you out if you reallu do intense workouts. Juddo (sP?) is excelent! Along with regualr stuff that's been around for ages...jump roping...jumping jacks..but now they have interesting and fun workouts. Alot of people think that work out movies don't work because of the pace they go at but some really are great. If you want a excersise that will make you sleepy, try yoga or pilates. It works out your body, but puts you in a relaxed state of mind. People fall asleep in the yoga classes often!

Answer 5

As you get more fit, your endurance builds up. Just put 100% effort into all that you do. If you are running outside, pick up the pace-- push your self faster. You may have to spend more time excersising to get those results, but that's good, it means your in good shape. Try running up hills or on an incline, running with weights, doing aerobics with wrist and ankle weights, etc. That may add some resistance and help you get the workout you want.

Answer 6

Do you know how to perform a "crunch" or a "sit-up"? They help alot. Do about 25 crunches and 50 sit-ups every day during commercial break on the T.V if you watch it. For arm/back muscles you'll do push-ups.

If you love moving the entire body like when you run, join a fitness club and go to the pool. That will be your "weight loss sanctuary/ gaining muscle" room. Uhm.. another thing would be to ride a bike in a higher gear. That helps alot.

That's my two cents, spend it wisely.

Answer 7

You could try boosting your workout by wearing ankle and wrist weights?

Answer 8

cardio
kick boxing
and running outside

Answer 9

Try an elyptical machine! It kicks my butt! ha ha ha, and it's a great workout!!!

Answer 10

have hardcore sex