The criticisms of running range from the specious to the snobbish: it erodes hard-earned muscle; steady-state cardio doesn’t burn fat; running is what newbies and sweat-panted old people do; and so on.
New research published in the European Journal of Endocrinology, however, could help change these perceptions.
While you might think 30 minutes on the treadmill is not enough to warrant a hydration bottle, it turns out that drinking half a litre of water over half an hour’s running increases your production of growth hormone by 48 per cent compared with a non-hydrated run.
Growth hormone is, of course, a key factor in building muscle, but it’s also a potent fat-burner, meaning a leisurely, albeit well lubricated, stint on the treadmill will ramp up your weight-loss potential.
More From
Aston Martin's Lance Stroll needs to be in peak condition to perform at his best. This is how he trains to stay consistent across a season
See how your 5k row time stacks up, plus how to adjust your training for each decade with rowing tips from the experts
Heavy lifts, short rests and full-body pairings – this high-intensity routine develops strength, size and conditioning at once
Want to get leaner and stronger in your 50s? This simple, repeatable workout plan helped one man transform his body and mindset
Chris Evans' metamorphosis from hunky heartthrob to Captain America is the stuff of Hollywood transformation legend. Now, for 'Avengers: Doomsday', he's doing it all again. This is how
Searching for the perfect Christmas gift but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, you'll find some of the best gift ideas across fitness, tech, grooming and more in our guide
We're making your Christmas shopping easy by selecting the best gifts for every person you know. Next up: the fitness lover
