Jogging is a great form of exercise that many people enjoy which also helps boost their energy level and mood. There are challenges, though, like sticking with your program week after week. You need to be careful so you don't get injured, which will greatly hinder your progress. Here are some tips to help keep you healthy and motivated to keep jogging.
One of the best ways to keep jogging fun and challenging is to find a partner or group. There's nothing wrong with jogging alone, but sometimes it can be very helpful to have someone with you to keep you motivated. You will be less likely to quit too early or do less than your best when you have a partner. It can also be fun to have someone to talk to, though you don't want this to turn into a distraction. It's best to focus on jogging and save the conversation for when you're finished! Running with a partner or group can be a great way to keep the activity interesting for you. To remain safe and healthy while jogging, make sure you always pay attention to the terrain you're running on. As a general rule, keep away from steep hills and areas that have lots of rocks and treacherous obstacles. Running or jogging on hilly and rough terrain can make your running more adventuresome, but it will likely only lead to you getting hurt or worse, unless you have run on terrain like that before. When you run or jog on hilly terrain, you are putting a lot of undue pressure on your feet, knees and leg joints, and that's why you should start out going easy on flat terrain.
Do be sure to learn how to warm up, stretch, and then afterwards you'll want to warm down and stretch a little, as well. Never run at full speed or high intensity and then just stop cold; you need to take it easy coming down so you can cool off and warm down. So it's really important so you don't experience tightness and injury to begin slow, run, and then slow down before coming to a walk. Be very sure you get in the habit of a pre-run stretching session, and then do a post-run stretch. You can help take the load off your heart by resting with your heart lower than your feet, or put your feet up, and that will take the strain off your heart and help it to relax.
You can take advantage of the benefits that running has to offer at just about any age - but see your doctor if you think you need to. Many runners report that they really do look forward to that runner's high they get. Be sure to follow proper procedures so your muscles and bones stay healthy and strong.
One of the best ways to keep jogging fun and challenging is to find a partner or group. There's nothing wrong with jogging alone, but sometimes it can be very helpful to have someone with you to keep you motivated. You will be less likely to quit too early or do less than your best when you have a partner. It can also be fun to have someone to talk to, though you don't want this to turn into a distraction. It's best to focus on jogging and save the conversation for when you're finished! Running with a partner or group can be a great way to keep the activity interesting for you. To remain safe and healthy while jogging, make sure you always pay attention to the terrain you're running on. As a general rule, keep away from steep hills and areas that have lots of rocks and treacherous obstacles. Running or jogging on hilly and rough terrain can make your running more adventuresome, but it will likely only lead to you getting hurt or worse, unless you have run on terrain like that before. When you run or jog on hilly terrain, you are putting a lot of undue pressure on your feet, knees and leg joints, and that's why you should start out going easy on flat terrain.
Do be sure to learn how to warm up, stretch, and then afterwards you'll want to warm down and stretch a little, as well. Never run at full speed or high intensity and then just stop cold; you need to take it easy coming down so you can cool off and warm down. So it's really important so you don't experience tightness and injury to begin slow, run, and then slow down before coming to a walk. Be very sure you get in the habit of a pre-run stretching session, and then do a post-run stretch. You can help take the load off your heart by resting with your heart lower than your feet, or put your feet up, and that will take the strain off your heart and help it to relax.
You can take advantage of the benefits that running has to offer at just about any age - but see your doctor if you think you need to. Many runners report that they really do look forward to that runner's high they get. Be sure to follow proper procedures so your muscles and bones stay healthy and strong.