How to Get Started and Running
One of the best ways to exercise is to run. Yes, doesn’t sound that exciting, but it’s so affordable. Running can help you improve your stamina, reduce stress and burn calories. So, get ready to hit the grounds, tuck the tummy in and run for your life!
How do you get started and motivated? Here are a few tips:
Set Goals
Why do you want to run? Burn fat, lose weight, build your stamina or improve your fitness? For a first timer, you should aim for a 4km run and after reaching that goal increase to a 8-10km run. Increase your distance gradually but realistically. People are likely to stick to short goals to keep motivated in the long run.
Get Good Equipment
Update your trainers if they’re more than two years old. It’s important to have good quality shoes, you don’t want to risk harming yourself or feeling uncomfortable which can be an excuse to quit.
Pump it Up with Music
Don’t look at your watch while you’re running. Get your favorite music going to keep you excited during the jog. Never leave the house without your Ipod.
Get a Running Buddy
You can run with a buddy, in a group or with a personal trainer, running with someone gives you greater motivation and commitment. Some people need extra motivation and comradeship, so don’t be afraid to ask your friends.
Burning fat
Research says that interval training has been proven to burn three-and-a-half times more kilojoules than an even-paced run. Try jogging for two minutes, followed by a ten second one off and repeat 10-15 times depending on your fitness level. You can also stick to long runs (more than 30 minutes) at 60-75 percent of your heart rate capacity.
Keep Up The Motivation
Alternate routes, run in different directions, at different speeds and add hills to keep it interesting. You can also combine short runs with weight training and strength work. Also take into account that if you add interval training and sprints to your work out, you can continually shock your body and lose more fat.
What’s the best ground for you?
Expert trainers say that treadmills and grass are ideal to run on because they impact less on your knees and ankles while they help to reduce injury risk. So, go for the nice green grass or hit the treadmill. Choose your favorite, and keep up the good work!