How To Jog Properly
Tips On How to Jog Properly
At some point in your life you will decide that it is time to work out regularly, and it is important to know how to jog properly if this is the type of exercise you have chosen. Beginners in particular tend to exercise in a ‘run for your life’ style which causes more damage than good. Here are a few things to consider when you want to start jogging.
Great Expectations
Beginners and those who have just started their weight loss program are often a little too keen and try to achieve a standard that is simply beyond their physical abilities. Often enough you encounter expectations like “2km every day!” or “40 minutes in one go!” But if you haven’t worked out in a long time or you are very overweight, this is crazy talk!
It is important to get to know your body and your abilities, know your limits and learn to accept them. You need to find a speed that is good for you, so avoid training with your super-fit neighbour who has been in the game for years. Go for a jog on your own and see what you can do without fainting and straining muscles, lungs and heartbeat. If all you can do is 10 minutes, then this is what you need to start with. Instead of feeling embarrassed about the short time you can walk, feel proud of having taken action and improving your health.
The Right Equipment
You can learn a lot about how to jog properly from a pulse monitor. They are small and not very expensive, and you should watch it very closely when starting off. You will find that a certain pulse rate is your personal limit, and you will also learn how fast or slow you must jog to achieve this pulse. Ideally you manage to understand what pulse rate makes a good sweat without completely exhausting you- a good jog will make you feel energised afterwards, not kill you.
The second and last piece of equipment you need are good walking shoes. Go to a professional sports shop and try out different pairs to ensure that the shoe fits perfectly around your foot. This will avoid blisters and pain, as well as ankle injuries and muscle straining. If you are serious about jogging you must invest in high quality running shoes, it is inevitable! The wrong shoes will not only damage your feet but also your knees and back as the pressure is shifted to the ‘wrong’ muscles and bones. They must be comfortable and enduring, and you may want to make sure that your feet can breathe while being protected from water at the same time. Good socks are also advantageous to soak up sweat, make sure that you don’t slip within the shoe and make sure you don’t experience any rash – wool socks are a no-no!
A Healthy Diet
Even if you know how to jog properly and do all the right things, your body will not improve if you eat a hearty meal afterwards or grab a burger before commencing your work-out. While your meals should be light, you must make sure that you have an appropriate amount of energy intake. Additionally, it is important not to leave out any of the essential food categories including carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein. Healthy fats mean olive oil, avocado oil and oils found in nuts- these are essential oils and not the extremely fattening kind found in chips, deep-fried foods and sauces.
A balanced diet, the right equipment and realistic expectations are the key to a good workout and you will soon understand how to jog properly because practice makes perfect!