Running is a great way to fitness and weight loss, it’s flexible to suit you busy schedule and can be a lot easier than you think. The key to running is starting off slowly and setting realistic goals. Often people are put off because they are conscious that everyone’s watching them, or there not fastest enough which is a total myth.
Recently a friend of mine asked my advice as a male runner he wanted to complete 2 or 3 miles but felt too embarrassed in case he had to stop. My suggestion was he wore some casual joggers, trainers and a hoody, that way if he was jogging a long he could stop and nobody would be aware of if he was out for a run or a stroll in the park.
The first stages of running are just getting into the habit of going out regularly at least twice a week, start of walking and build it up gradually. Don’t worry about time or distance just relax and let your body decide.
It’s good to supplement your running with other forms of gentle exercise including swimming, walking, Yoga and Pilates.
The best part about running that I find is it fits into your schedule easily unlike going to a gym that can take up to a couple of hours. With running even if you can only manage 10 – 15 minutes is all good for calorie burning, you can before work after work and sometimes during breaks.
3 tips if you are a new to running
- Start out easy. Running can be difficult to begin with, so don’t make it any harder than necessary. For the first few weeks, stick to flat paths and avoid too many hills or don’t be afraid to walk the hills
- Get kitted out. Running requires very little equipment. All you really need is a good pair of running shoes and some practical clothing to suit your environment. For footwear, visit a local running specialty store and get properly fitted, sizes and fit vary between running shoe company.
- Walk, run-walk, and then run. If you’re brand new to regular exercise, start by walking (not running). For the first few weeks, walk 25 – 30 minutes several times a week. Gradually mix in a little running (40 to 60 seconds) for every three minutes of walking. Gradually, you will run more and walk less. Before long, you’ll be enjoying you’re running.
Once you start to increase you can look at the social side of running, going with friends joining a local club and even entering races. Watch out for our series of running tips and our schedule from non runner to park runner in 10 weeks.
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