Weight Loss Journey: Running to Reduce Waist Inches

Introduction

Many people go on weight loss journeys hoping to lose a significant amount of weight in the shortest amount of time possible. However, this Reddit post by user 'pillowfort123' shows how a focus on reducing waist inches can also be motivating, and how simply starting with a gentle, but consistent, exercise routine can make a difference.

The Journey

Pillowfort123 is a 23-year-old female who is 5'5" tall. She began her weight loss journey by starting to run around 13 miles a week for 6 weeks. She only lost 3lbs, but what's notable is that she lost almost 2 inches off her waist! This is something that she is more proud of, and it teaches us that maybe we can focus less on the numbers on the scale but more on the results we can see and feel in our bodies.

Discussion

Some Reddit users cautioned Pillowfort123 that she could have lost more weight if she had dieted more strictly, but others suggested that she might have been building muscle while losing fat. What's truly important, however, is the fact that she was making a positive change in her lifestyle. She started with something gentle (running around 13 miles a week is less than 2 miles per day), and it might have taken longer, but it ensured that the change was sustainable.

The Science

Doing cardio exercises like running is an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. At Pillowfort123's height and weight, she should be consuming around 1600 calories a day to maintain her weight. By running around 13 miles a week, she burned around 240 calories a day or 1680 in a week. This should amount to losing around 1lb per week. However, it's important to remember that losing fat is not the only thing that happens during exercise. By doing cardio, she could have been increasing her metabolism, building lean muscle mass, and improving her overall health.

Conclusion

Pillowfort123's progress shows us that it's okay to take it slow and steady when it comes to weight loss. We don't need to lose all the weight overnight, nor do we need to take drastic measures to do so. Incorporating a consistent exercise routine, like running, can be beneficial in losing weight, increasing metabolism, and gaining overall health. So, whether you're struggling to lose weight or just want to make a positive change in your lifestyle, try things out for yourself and remember that every journey is unique.