Jogging is a hard, but rewarding, exercise. When done correctly with the proper attire and running shoes, you can see dramatic results in your figure, endurance, and speed within just a few weeks. However, when done incorrectly, you can negative results in your muscles, posture, and longevity. When learning how to jog, it’s important that you take it slow, get familiar with the proper equipment, and stay in tune with your body. When taking on a running regimen, always be sure you’re eating the right foods, drinking the right amount of water, and never using quick-fix diet and energy pills to assist you with your speed. They will end up causing more harm by affecting your heart rate and long-term endurance.
Before you even take your first stride, it’s important to be fitted with proper running shoes. Visit a local running specialty store. Local stores are ideal because they tend to be staffed with a community of runners that will help you not only find the right shoes, but set up a workout and nutrition plan. One of the factors they’ll look at is how you walk naturally. This will determine how you strike on your heel. For instance, if you place a lot of strain on your heel rather than the tops of your toes, you will need a shoe that has more padding in the back. Only a trained professional looking for these details will be able to assist you properly. The wrong shoe can ultimately lead to back and knee injuries so choose wisely and listen to the professionals. Once you’ve chosen the proper running shoe, it’s time to hit the course.
Step 1: Get Started
When starting an intense workout program, such as jogging, it’s best to begin slowly. Start off two to three times a week for twenty minutes. You’d be surprised how difficult it is. For brand-new joggers, split your twenty minutes between jogging and walking. For instance, jog for four minutes and walk for one minute. When you start a running regimen, be sure to avoid extremely hard grounds at first as this will surely cause to knees injuries. Start on your local track where the ground is built for runners. Also, ensure you keep good form during your runs as well. Keep your knees bent to avoid hamstring and knee soreness. Additionally, keep your arms low, hands slightly cupped and at your sides. Pay close attention to the swing of your arms. It’s best to keep them in the same motion as your legs. Swing your arms at the same pace as your legs.http://www.brighthub.com/health/fitness/articles/35774.aspx This will help deter potential cramps from surprising you in the middle of a good job. After the first week, you should be able to feel a difference in your stamina and endurance. On alternate running days, try Yoga or Pilates to keep your muscles flexible and reduce muscle strain. This will help you as start to build mileage and time.
Step 2: Build Up Your Milage
As you enter the second and third weeks of your regimen, it’s time to start building up more mileage and time. Depending on your speed, it’s best to focus on time instead of miles jogged. For that reason, set a goal for twenty to thirty minutes three days a week, thirty to thirty-five minutes twice a week, and rest for two days of the week. Because you’ll be building more miles and times, it’s extremely important to listen to your body. If you feel sore in a particular area, ensure that you’re caring for it by stretching twice a day.http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Jog-For-Beginners---Learn-the-Basics&id=2865278 Visit your local sports store to pick up some stretching tools that will assist you if needed. For instance, a rubber Pilates band is a secret tool that most runners use. Sit on the floor, place the band across your foot, then sit up straight while pulling the ends of the band towards you. This is a great stretch for the calves, hamstrings, and quads. Also, be sure to keep up with a good diet full of fiber, vegetables, and fruit. Avoid high fat, high sodium food as it will just exhaust your system and make your jog feel harder than normal.
Step 3: Keep Your Body Moving
The key to starting a jogging regimen is to take it slow. You don’t want to overdo it in the beginning and burn yourself out. Start with just a few times a week as you build up your endurance and stamina. If you’re looking for ways to build your strength and endurance for your jog, try a few different exercises on your off or short run days. For instance, swimming is a great combination sport with jogging. Some coaches use it to build up leg strength and endurance. Water jogging also helps to keep your muscles strong to avoid injuries. Throughout the entire process, be sure to drink plenty of water and watch out for injuries. Use your body as a compass and pay attention to areas that feel uncomfortable or painful. One of the best treatments for soreness and avoiding injuries is to receive monthly sports massages. They will help keep your body moving like clockwork. As you start your program, you’ll find that jogging is a rewarding experience. After a hard day at the office or school, there’s nothing like slipping on your headphones, tying up your laces, and hitting the streets to alleviate some stress. There’s no time like the present to start something new, so get out and there and god speed.
Tim Borland talks about the basics of jogging
Marathon and Ultra Marathon Runner and Trainer Tim Borland talks about the basics of jogging. He states that there are several things to think about, including to start with proper footwear, that your stride is “comfortable and in control.” He provides a helpful hint to look down at your feet as you begin to ensure your stride is correct.
