Running To Get Fit
Running is a great activity to start and it has numerous mental and physical benefits. The most common reasons are weight loss and increased fitness. The other lesser known benefits of running are that it builds bone density, reduces stress and allows the body to get its daily dose of Vitamin D from sun exposure. It is not difficult to begin a running program even if you have not done any physical exercise for a long period of time. However, starting slowly and properly is important. Here are some tips to jump-start your running program:
Just Do It
Running is simple and you should not overcomplicate it. Though there are a few things to consider before you begin, the best thing to do is just to start and run. Fixing imperfections such as stride and gait should be the last thing on your mind since you can always fix that later. It is important to begin a regimen that gets you running on a regular basis first.
Planning to Run
When starting a running program, consistency is key. Therefore, it is important to plan your runs to ensure that life, work and relationships do not hinder your running. All you would need to do is make a commitment to run three times a week for 30 minutes each. Having set days in a particular week will make it easier for you to stick to your routine and soon enough it will become a habit.
Warm Up
Warming up is an important ritual prior to running. Warm ups will not only make running more comfortable but it can also prevent injuries. Your warm up can consist of some light stretching focusing on your leg muscles followed by a brisk walk. There are several stretching exercises you can find for free online to implement before running.
Start Slowly But Surely
If you are new to running, do not expect to be joining the New York marathon anytime soon. Of course, you can get there with lots of training and hard work. But as a beginner, running will be a challenge and trying to do too much will leave you feeling ill and discouraged. Starting slow will allow you to stick to your running regimen which is most important as a beginner.
Goal Setting an achievable goal during running or any particular exercise for that matter will not only help you plan where you would like to be but also keep you motivated. If you are a beginner at running you should set challenging goals that will help you improve as a runner. It is important however to set achievable goals as setting one too high can be discouraging.
But the most important piece of advice that anyone can give you about running is to have fun. If you have fun while running you are most likely to stick to your regimen.
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