Lots of people will start 2015 with the goal of getting fit. It is a common New Year’s resolution, and it’s a good one. Staying fit is the key to a healthy lifestyle. It will help you live longer and feel better. Running and exercises release natural ‘feel-good’ endorphins into your brain. These are the chemicals that give you joy. They create a sense of achievement and happiness.
However, just like many resolutions, it can be difficult to keep them going as the year creeps on. By Spring we often give up and fall back into bad habits. Work gets on top of us and other commitments pull us away. We’re here to help you stay on track. This guide is for the complete beginner. We’ll help you start running and build it up slowly. That will make sure you keep it going.
Inspiration is the first thing you need. In order to really commit to running, you need a strong reason. For some, it’s just the sheer joy of running. Others need a goal or a target. It could be a marathon or smaller road race. Some find it easier to set personal targets, like lose a certain amount of weight. Find the thing that will motivate you and get you up of the sofa when you really want to quit.
Invest in some good gear. When it comes to running, you don’t need a lot of gear to get started. However, we do suggest purchasing a good pair of running shoes. They will improve your comfort while running and help you resist any major injuries. Try an online retailer like More Than Sport fitness clothing for the essentials.
Start slow and only build up the mileage when you’re comfortable. Start with a brisk walk rather than a jog and monitor your progress in time, not distance. Start by walking for 30 minutes. When that is comfortable and easy, start slipping in a 2-3 minute jog every 5 minutes. Slowly introduce your body to the exercise and don’t overdo it.
Stretches and warm ups are essential when you start upping the speed and distance. make sure you are stretching before every single exercise. It will loosen your muscles and help prevent injury. Do the same when you finish to make sure your muscles don’t seize up.
Keep track of your progress after every run. You can often become downhearted when you start running. It can be difficult to see your progress. If you write down your time and distance after every run, however, you can easily see how far you’ve come. Being able to look at your progress is a great motivator when it comes to keeping it up. Try and set yourself a manageable routine and stick to it.
Finally, take a look at your diet. Running is a great way to introduce some exercise to your body. It’s the perfect first step to a healthier lifestyle. Yet, it won’t make much difference without the right diet. You can alter your food intake to supplement your running. Limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat and increase fruits and vegetables. High amounts of carbs are not required for running. Your average run will burn around 200-300 calories – not enough to justify a huge bowl of pasta!
There you have it! Now you’ve got the beginner’s guide, it’s time to hit the road and stretch your legs. You won’t believe the difference it makes.