When I think of runners I think of fit people. I picture thin peeps jogging it out every day, lookin’ and feeling good – but that is not always the case. Many runners may be doing their body (and physique) more harm than good. Although I am a runner and love the benefits of it, there can be some negative side effects if that’s all you do.

#1 You Can Get Skinny Fat. We’ve all seen it. A person is slim, but not fit. They jiggle in the middle, their butt sags, their thighs flab, but they wear a size 4. If you aren’t preserving muscle with resistance training and getting enough protein you could lose valuable muscle that gives you the fit and firm shape you want.

#2 Your Metabolism Can Slow Down. Our metabolism is primarily based on our muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest (Basal Metabolic Rate). Most females burn between 1200-1300 calories at rest (Mine is BMR is 1500). I’m not muscle-bound by all means, but I do have more lean mass so I do burn more calories than I did without muscle. I am a runner, but I also do hit the weights HARD – and as you can see (that’s me below), my legs don’t look like a bodybuilder. Note: Resistance training is any exercise that uses resistance (weight) like weights, bands, kettlebells and power yoga or bootcamp (using your own body weight).

#3 You May Have More Cellulite The truth is, you may not have MORE fat, but you could likely SEE more fat. Why? Because without the plump, tone muscle behind the fat, the pockets of fat have no support and are more noticeable. Name that butt in the pic below. This celebrity is the beautiful Sharon Stone! However, she’s a victim of cellulite too. The best way to get rid of fat is with diet and cardio, but the best way to fight visible cellulite is by shaping up the legs with weights. A combo of the two is ideal.

#4 You Could Break Your Body. Running is affordable, so some people replace the gym with running – thinking they will get the same results. Not so. I LOVE running and value it, but too much of anything can be a bad thing. When we lift weights we tear down certain body parts at a time. We work on legs one day or upper body the next, giving our body a chance to rest in between. However, runners may run every day, continually beating the body up with little rest.

So runners, you can STILL run, but just be careful and work to maintain a healthy balance. You’ll not only FEEL better, you’ll look better too! (By Bonnie Pfiester, fitness model and columnist)