Fitness and running are not contradictory. Fitness can be divided into broad sense and narrow sense. In a broad sense, fitness covers all types and ways of exercise that are beneficial to health, that is, physical fitness; In a narrow sense, fitness refers to strength-type resistance exercise aimed at increasing muscle strength and quality. Although running is not divided into broad sense and narrow sense, there are low-intensity jogging, middle-high intensity running and fast running. When running reaches a certain intensity, it can also be transformed into strength exercise.
Admittedly, from the narrow sense of fitness, running may not be more direct and faster than self-loading resistance exercise of fitness equipment, but it cannot be said that running is the least efficient way of fitness.
Running can also increase muscle strength and quality. Running not only drives leg muscles to move, but also requires arm muscles and abdominal muscles to swing and twist, so running is also an activity that all major muscle groups of the body participate in together. Especially when the running speed reaches above the intensity, for example, when the running speed is not lower than 8~9 km/h, the endurance of arm muscles and abdominal muscles is no less than that of horizontal bar, push-ups and 10 dumbbells. These are facts based on scientific argumentation. You can try if you don't believe me.
Generally speaking, the benefits of running are better than fitness in a narrow sense. First, running is economical and safe, and it is the easiest to be accepted and loved. Running from school to graduation does not need too many skills and the guidance of coaches. Compared with fitness equipment, it has a higher safety factor and does not need to spend money. It can master the running time and speed by itself. It is a sport that everyone can participate in.
Secondly, running is of great help to improve people's cardiopulmonary endurance. It can not only improve vital capacity, but also be the most important and effective means to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. At the same time, it can increase insulin sensitivity, improve the regulation of endocrine system, increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis, regulate psychological stress, relieve anxiety and improve sleep. Relatively speaking, it is more beneficial than fitness in a narrow sense.
Thirdly, running is one of the most effective ways to help you lose weight. Because running is a sustained and rhythmic endurance exercise involving large muscle groups, the energy source in exercise is mainly supplied by aerobic metabolism, which can last for a longer time, which is beneficial to glycogen depletion and fat energy supply, and is the most important and effective means to reduce fat accumulation in the body.
No one can deny that the equipment used in the gym has its unique value and function. But the conclusion that "running is the least efficient way to keep fit" is also biased. Everything has two sides. If we compare the shortcomings of one thing with the advantages of another, can the conclusion be correct?