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It's a good idea to consult
your doctor before beginning any
physical activity. The
information in this article is
not meant to be technical, it's
just a guideline. Use the
information as you like.
With that said, let's talk
about running and its benefits.
The wonderful thing about
running/jogging is that I can be
done just about anywhere in the
world. All you really need is a
good pair of shoes and some
determination.
Running is a great stress
outlet and it promotes weight
loss and fitness all at the same
time. You are probably wondering
why it's not a part of
everyone's everyday life. That
is the purpose of this article,
to encourage running as a means
of physical and mental health.
The challenge of getting out
there and pushing yourself is
the kicker for most people. When
you decide to give it a try
you'll quickly see how enjoyable
it really is. Every time you
finish a run you'll feel a great
sense of accomplishment, this is
because you've pushed yourself
to your limits and you know what
you've done is good for you.
The mental work out I refer
to is the mental training and
control it takes to make each
stride and to push yourself.
When you become tired your mind
starts thinking of other things
you'd rather be doing that are
less strenuous. You tell
yourself not to listen and to
focus more. So you focus on your
breathing and your form. You are
training your mind not to give
in. When you are focused before
you know it you've conquered
your run for another day. It's a
great sense of accomplishment!
I recommend having 3 or so
different places to run, the
variety will keep it interesting
and more fun. The distance you
cover is totally up to you, run
distances you feel comfortable
with. When you feel that you are
ready to add more length to your
sessions, then do so, in small
increments.
Always remember to stretch
out before you begin running,
this will prevent injury and
ensure your muscles are ready
for the work ahead. You should
be stretching for at least 4 to
5 minutes before starting. Don't
forget that running uses more
than just your legs, so stretch
everything, not just your legs.
If it's cold out, it's a good
idea to stretch more than
regularly and to go for a quick
warm-up walk.
Drinking water will keep you
hydrated and help you go the
distance. I like to drink 3 tall
glasses of water before I go for
a run and roughly the same
amount immediately after I
finish the run. You can even
take water with you and drink it
while running, keep in mind that
you'll need something to hold
the water unless you don't mind
having the bottle/container in
your hand.
Some key elements to think
about and remember while on your
run are good pace and proper
form. These 2 factors will
hugely affect your ability "keep
going". If you push yourself to
much off the get go, you won't
have any energy left for the
middle or end of your run. If
you ever get the feeling that
you NEED to stop, DON'T!. What I
recommend is, slowing down your
pace to almost walking speed,
but keep the running form. Soon
enough you'll have your breath
back and you can pick up the
pace again. The importance of
form is related to efficient use
of your energy. You should try
to keep your back reasonably
straight, to keep from hunching
over; this also helps in proper
respiration. Also don't move
your arms excessively, this is a
common mistake and it's easily
fixed. Try to keep your arms
reasonably limber and if you
move them while taking strides,
try to move them in a
forward-to-backward motion.
Moving your arms side to side
causes you to waste energy, keep
your momentum going in the
direction you want - forward.
When you're finished, make
sure you cool down properly.
This will keep away muscle
cramps and it's all around
easier on your body. Walk for a
few minutes and remember to
stretch well when you're done.
And remember you can never have
too much water after a long run!
See you out there!
About The Author: Ryan Campbell,
http://www.self-improvement-information.com,
http://www.parenting-info.net |
