Here’s a dose of inspiration to help you stay focused on your New Year’s goals!
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A novice YouTuber documented his journey of running 5 kilometers daily for a month and showcased his remarkable physical transformation.
We're now two weeks into the start of 2025, which means most of us will already be desperately clinging onto our New Year's resolutions of cutting back on the booze and getting fit.
However, if you're struggling to keep yourself motivated in these cold January mornings and are wondering 'What difference will any of these changes make?', here is how one man was able to transform his body in just one month after getting out and running everyday.
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Documenting his journey via YouTube back in 2021, Luke Longden shared what it would be like to take up running as a complete beginner and, spoiler alert, it's not very pleasant.
"In the video, he shared, 'It's surprising how out of shape you really are until you begin running and find yourself needing to stop after just a couple of minutes.'"
Longden recorded a time of 32 minutes and 58 seconds during his initial run, setting a benchmark for himself to surpass in the upcoming 29 days.
Although the struggles of starting out as a runner can be tough (we've all experienced it, and it’s no fun), Longden soon saw a positive shift. The creator managed to make daily progress, even in the face of challenges like leg strain and lower back discomfort.
After a month of training, Longden managed to reduce his time by approximately 10 minutes, completing the task in 21 minutes and 40 seconds—an achievement that is quite remarkable.
Improved fitness wasn't the only change in which Longden noticed either, with the content creator also shared a series of clips of himself at the beginning and end of the challenge, in which he appeared to look noticeably leaner.
Running 5k every day can be beneficial for some people, but it's important to consider individual fitness levels, goals, and overall health. For those who are already accustomed to regular running, it can help improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance. However, for beginners or those prone to injury, daily 5k runs may lead to overuse injuries or burnout. Incorporating rest days, cross-training, and varying workout intensity can help maintain a balanced approach to fitness. Always consult with a healthcare or fitness professional before starting a new exercise regimen.
Longden isn't the only person who's felt inspired to take the plunge and start running daily, with various Reddit users claiming to have lost weight and seen health benefits from the practice - but how safe is it to go from a sedentary lifestyle to running 5k everyday?
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During a conversation regarding the advantages and disadvantages of excessive running, a Reddit user noted that engaging in such a high volume of exercise too rapidly can potentially harm your body.
"Yes running is great, but you can't just go from sedentary to running a 5k every day. Trust me, I've tried," they wrote.
"It's important to gradually increase your running volume over time. Jumping into high mileage without being properly conditioned can result in extreme soreness and injuries, as your body isn't prepared for the strain."
Exercise physiologist Biara Webster told LiveStrong.com: "To decrease the risk of injuries to newbies, I would advise running every second day, alternating your program with strength training, especially of the core and legs if running is your goal, and/or alternative cardiovascular exercises, like swimming or cycling."