Running More, Belly Bigger? Understanding the Surprising Link

The more I run, the bigger my belly gets. Why?

Friends with low waist and abdominal obesity found that after exercising for a period of time, the fat in the waist and abdomen area not only did not decrease, but actually increased. In fact, improper running movements are one of the main reasons for protruding waist and hip areas.

Incorrect running movements: Some people have a habit of sinking their shoulders when running. The small bend of the arms will cause the shoulders to sag even more, which will cause the legs and feet to be unable to be lifted when running, and the stride length will be short. The whole body has no feeling of flying when running, and there is no elasticity under the feet. Every step he ran seemed very laborious, and his breathing rhythm was uneven. The belly bounces up and down with every stride. Over time, it affects the control of the abdominal muscles, causing the belly to sag and the waist and abdomen to protrude.

Correct running movements: keep the head and upper body upright, lean forward slightly, relax the neck muscles, draw in the abdomen slightly, make fists with both hands naturally, lift the shoulders slightly, bend the arms to 90 degrees, and use the shoulder joint as the axis to move the arms forward and backward. Natural swing. During running, raise your thighs and relax your calves, and land on the soles of your forefoot or on the outside of your forefoot. Those with weak soles and ankle joints can also transition to full-foot running, which can tense the abdominal muscles and lift the belly. Breathing should be even, slender, sufficient and rhythmic. The breathing rhythm should be coordinated with the rhythm of running. During running, the abdominal muscles should be properly tense and pay attention to raising the air. This in itself is a training for the function of the respiratory organs and an exercise for the abdominal muscles. Improved abdominal muscle control is also an effective way to keep your body fit.

Running is a universal sport, but many people have incorrect postures. Therefore, only by mastering the correct posture can the effect be achieved.