Is 20mins of running 4 times a week enough?

Question

I am running for 20mins 4 times a week, but my weight hasn't shifted in 4 weeks. I eat really healthy (low fat muesli for breakfast, salad sandwich for lunch, stir fry for dinner) but can't seem to lose 5 lbs... I just want to get rid of a bit of tummy flab. Is 20 mins a day 4 times a week enough? Will I see weight loss eventually? Or is it pointless - do I need to run for longer than 20mins?

I'm 31, 60kg and 5'6"... I know I'm not overweight, just got a little bit of tummy flab to lose...

Answer 1

you actually have to do cardio 4-6 times a week for average of 45min because the first 20-30min body burns carbs and only then starts burning fat.
you also have to do light weight training 2-3 times a week.
and you have to eat 5-6 small meals a day so your body gets enough calories when it needs them and doesnt have any extra left to store in fat reserves.
To lose fat you have to create just a slight deficit in daily caloric intake otherwise all you will lose is water weight and muscle, slow down metabolism and gain it all back later.

Answer 2

You could try running just 5 minutes longer every day.
I don't really know how to describe it but you're body kinda gets use to certain amounts of excercising once you do it all the time and you have to do more to get results.I would try that or only excercising a few times a week but an hour or two that day.

Answer 3

20 minutes to half an hour is fine. However there are certain variables like age, gender, genetics, etc. that need to be accounted for to make a solid statement on that.

For the average person however, what you are doing is great.

Have you consulted a personal trainer or health expert to help you achieve your goals?

Answer 4

That is very good. Do not strain yourself.