How to Lose Weight Jogging for 20 Minutes

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Jogging is a great way to burn calories.
Image Credit: Matthew Leete/DigitalVision/GettyImages

If you want to lose weight, jogging is one of the most effective exercises to do it. Jogging burns more calories than almost all other forms of cardio exercise.

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Since the formula for weight loss is burning more calories than you consume, jogging can be your golden ticket to get lean. You can lose weight by jogging for 20-minute sessions with a personalized workout plan.

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Tip

Consult your doctor before beginning a new workout program. If you need a motivational boost, try running with a friend or listening to some upbeat tunes while you run.

Your Weight-Loss Goals

Set your weight loss goals and make them realistic. Track and record your weight each week to see your progress. Losing one to two pounds per week is recognized as being a healthy, sustainable rate of weight loss, says Harvard Health Publishing.

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One pound is equivalent to about 3,500 calories, so if you burn 500 more calories than you consume each day, you will lose about one pound in a week. You might have to change your diet to accommodate your weight-loss goals.

Jogging for 20 Minutes

If you are new to running, begin with a walking and running program and gradually build up your minutes running until you can run for the whole 20 minutes. Starting a jogging program cold with no experience or training could put you off very quickly.

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Do intervals, says Mayo Clinic. Walk briskly for three to four minutes and then jog for 30 seconds. Alternate between the two for the whole 20 minutes. During this time, you are building the strength you'll need to maintain a 20-minute run.

Read more: The Effects of Jogging Every Day

Step Up Your Pace

The amount of calories that you burn each session depends on your weight and running speed. A 155-pound person who runs at a speed of 6mph can burn 248 calories, says Harvard Health Publishing. Add intensity to your runs to burn more calories.

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You can increase your intensity by running faster. If a 155-pound woman steps up her pace to run at a speed of 7.5 miles per hour for the same amount of time, she will burn more calories — 310.

Add Inclines to Your Jogs

Run on an incline to add intensity to your runs, according to ACE Fitness. Jog up stairs or run up hills to burn more calories. For an effective hill workout, run up at least five or six hills that are 200 yards long or more.

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For a stair workout, try running up stadium steps at your local track and jogging down slowly to allow yourself time to recover. Hill and stair workouts not only burn extra calories, but also help strengthen your legs to help you run faster.

Read more: What Are the Benefits of Incline Walking on a Treadmill?

Warning

If you experience any sharp or persistent pain while running, stop and rest. If you are having chest pains or the pain does not subside with rest, see your doctor.

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