will running tone me up?

[ac1d1ty]

Odd question I know, and apologies if its very stupid.


I was dojng some weights before I started uni and whilst I was not putting much muscle on it was giving me some definition.

However after 4 weeks of heavy drinking, little food and what little food ive eaten being very unhealthy, I am losing my shape. Whilst weight dosent seem to have gone on (in fact I think ive lost some :S), I have lost my definition etc.

Problem is the gym here is really expensive and is a good 10 min walk from my accomodation (I dont mind the walk, but I dont have much free time and dont want to waste it).

So I have considered chalking up a 20m markers and doing the shuttle run.

Will this suffice by itself in getting me in shape in terms of muscle definition?


thanks

 

[TheCenturion]

This definition you are talking about, is the result of burning more calories than you consume, ie: losing fat.

Running does indeed burn calories, therefore you will lose fat, as long as you don't eat too many calories. This in turn, will let you see your muscles better

 

[Volcs]

Run to the gym - problem solved .

In seriousness, the term toning is something of a taboo around these parts - what you want to do is either lose body fat or increase muscles size (or both) to achieve what you're after. Shuttle runs will help shift the fat but stick HIIT into google for a better solution - I'd still try and do a weight program as well if possible.

 

[Buffman]

Address your diet/drinking and you'll be able to lose fat, this can be aided with cardio and/or weight training.

 

[WantoN]

Running will reduce your body fat, meaning an improvemen in muscle definition. For a decent body it's not the best.

Training and diet go hand in hand, and it's imperitive that both are ok if you're going to tone up (by this what you really mean is reduce body fat and increase muscle mass).

Do a couple of resistance sessions, and a couple of cardio sessions weekly. Try adding HIIT (google) when you're a little fitter.

Address your diet/drinking and you'll be able to lose fat, this can be aided with cardio and/or weight training.

Craig is absolutely right that diet plays a major role. However, adjustments made solely to nutrition will only reap short-lived results. The body is an adaptive little blighter and exercise really is essential if you want to see marked improvement.

Ant