Running is one of the most popular forms of cardio, and it does more than just burn calories while you’re out on the road or treadmill. When you finish a long run, your body keeps working hard for hours after you stop. This means your metabolism stays elevated, helping you burn more calories even when you’re resting. This effect is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC, and it’s one of the reasons why running is so effective for loosing weighthttps://www.ndtv.com/health/9-exercises-that-burn-the-most-calories-help-shed-extra-weight-faster-9731967.
During a cardio workout like running, your heart rate goes up and your muscles use a lot of energy. After you finish, your body needs to recover. It has to repair muscles, refill energy stores, and bring your heart rate and breathing back to normal. All of these processes require extra energy, which means you continue to burn calories for several hours after your run endshttps://www.mecastrong.com/what-is-the-ideal-exercise-routine-for-weight-loss/.
The longer and harder your run, the more pronounced this afterburn effect can be. This is especially true for steady-state cardio, where you maintain a moderate pace for a longer period. While high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also boost metabolism after exercise, long runs provide a steady, sustained increase in calorie burn that lasts well beyond the workout itselfhttps://www.phillyvoice.com/weight-loss-exercise-strength-training-cardio-study/.
Running also helps improve your overall fitness, making your body more efficient at burning fat and using energy. Over time, regular cardio like running can help shift your body composition, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight and keep fat off. This is why many people find that running is a powerful tool for loosing weight, not just during the workout but for hours afterwardhttps://chuzefitness.com/blog/science-strength-training-burn-fat/.
