I wanted to ask if anyone thinks weight training ( when i say weights im talking 5lb weights) with cardio workout would be beneficial to my running as well.
Im running about 5 times aweek but finding its putting a strain on me so i want to mix my running with something else, and i enjoy jumping about and using light weights. Wanted to know what other sports others do as well as there running hayley

You definately need to have some programmed rest breaks in your training programme. Cross training is useful to offset the high impact and repetitive nature of running. Weight training specifically targeted at strengthening muscle groups is beneficial and also some core strengthening work like circuits/pilates/yoga can really help against injury preventation as well as improving stamina.

It depends why you want to exercise so much? What are your goals? For me its about weight loss, fitness, injury prevention and stress management.

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Run Eddie Run

Well its not weight lose, as im only 8 stone, if anything my weight has gone up a couple of pounds since i increased my running which is funny, not that im bothered because i have more muscle tone now. Its more to do with my interest in exercise and my own fitness, but i like the idea of pilates or yoga so im going to look into it thanks

If you've gained muscle tone that will probably explain the weight gain. Over the last 3 yrs I've lost about 3 stone and I've really seen my blood pressure drop but I've only been running for about the last year.

I think I might go to a yoga class this lunchtime - its a bit quiet at work today.

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Run Eddie Run

Edwina you seem a knowledgeable person, so while im on the subject, 'does muscle really weigh any more than fat'. Its something iv read different explanations about but interest me. thanks hayley

I am no expert but I've always been told that as you up your exercise regime that its not unusual for intially for theire to be a small weight gain as fat gets converted to muscle or weight might stay the same but you lose inches. 1lb of fat will weigh the same as 1lb of muscle. I think it depends on how much muscle you have surely and you certainly need to develop muscles for exercise.

My own personal weight loss has been gradual 1lb here and there and some weeks I've gained but my body shape as changed quite dramatically.

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Run Eddie Run

Thanks for that, my body size hasnt changed at all, but im 3 or 4lbs more so it makes sense what you say. It must be all more compact in there!!!!!!

Hi Hayley,

I'm certainly no expert but my brother use to do weightlifting quite a lot and he certainly found that his weight increased as he toned up.

Of course another downside (if you can call it that) is that exercise stimulates your appetite. Have you been feeling any hungrier (and I mean for food)?

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Run Eddie Run

What else could you have meant?!

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One small step for man.....

No im not a big eater when foods involved, but have a healthy appetite for most other things!!!!!!
I have to make sure i eat enough because i run, but being 5'4 8tone i dont have to worry yet, im quite petite really.

Oh there was this thread on Fetch about running and its impact on your libido.....made me want to stick my fingers in my ears and go lalala

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Run Eddie Run

I've done a lot of weight training for over 25 years and i still weigh about the same as I did when I was 18.
Generally speaking, if you eat more and exercise less you'll gain weight. By adding weight training and eating the same it's unlikely that you'll gain weight, in fact, in spite of adding muscle tone you'll probably loose a bit. ( But you all know this anyway. )

Hi wounded knee can you clarify on the bit about muscle tone and losing weight thanks Hayley

I think so.

Eat more, gain weight. Exercise more, lose weight. So if you're running and your weight stays constant, by increasing exercise, weight training for instance, and eating the same, you will probably loose weight.
Your muscles may become more toned but unless you are eating more to make them grow, they won't.
The biggest myth about weight training is that it makes you bulky but the only way to increase muscle size or any size is to eat more.