How to Start and Enjoy Running

Running is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. However for the new-comer starting running can be intimidating. If you’re concerned about injury and worried you’ll give it up before you see any benefits, read on to learn how to love a good run.

First invest in the right pair of shoes. This will make running much more comfortable and will help you avoid injury. A good shoe retailer should analyse your feet to find the idea brand and make for you.

Ease into running slowly. If you usually only walk, start adding a few 2 minute jogs into your routine. Gradually build up to jogging the whole time. Once you are comfortable with that, start adding a few 2 minute runs into your jogging and slowly build upon that. If you have never run before it may be months before you can do a full-on run without any breaks. This is fine, you should always go at your own pace. Going too fast can cause injury, so don’t feel bad about starting out slow.

Don’t push yourself too hard. First start running on even surfaces, don’t attempt running up steep hills or running on sand or difficult terrain. When you are more experienced you can challenge yourself with these things.

Make sure you have the right technique. If not you can cause yourself an injury or just make things harder on yourself. Don’t swing your arms across your body or rotate your shoulders and keep your knees straight ahead.

If your lacking motivation find a friend to run with. Running is so much more fun when you have someone to chat to and if you don’t feel like getting out there you won’t just be letting yourself down.

Don’t make running your only activity or you will get tired of it. Mix it up with some different workouts such as swimming or dancing.

Finally if you feel any pain, don’t push through it. Take a few days off and then start off jogging. If you still feel the pain see a doctor and lay off any strenuous exercise.