Beginning a jogging workout can be intimidating, and if you are feeling a little anxiety, you are not alone. You may feel that you don't have what it takes to be a runner. Conversely, you may feel that jogging will be a piece of cake and dash out the door ready for action. Both can have adverse effects when it comes to mentally and physically preparing for a jogging program.
Walking
First things first, it's important to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program to rule out any risk factors that contraindicate your chosen workout. When beginning a jogging workout, especially if you have been sedentary, it is important to begin a good walking program. It is widely suggested by fitness experts to begin with 30 minutes of walking at a moderate pace. Walking places less stress on the joints than jogging, and starting slow will increase your chances of successfully jogging injury-free.
Increasing the Pace
It's important to continually monitor your progress and how your body seems to be responding to that progress. How you feel is the most important factor when determining how you should progress. If you feel like you are ready to increase your walking time, start there. If you have been walking for a while and feel ready to increase your speed, begin alternating jogging and walking for a few minutes at a time until your jogging time gets longer and your walking time decreases.
Appropriate Attire
When beginning a jogging program, it's important to consider what you will wear. Your attire is just as important to your health and safety as exercising. Begin by purchasing a new pair of jogging shoes. This will ensure that you start off with a good experience by protecting your feet from worn, inappropriate shoes. You can get additional support by purchasing shoe inserts from the drugstore. Also, if you will be jogging at dawn or dusk, or on busy streets or highways, be sure you purchase some reflective clothing for safety.
Tools & Tricks
As with any other exercise program, you may find yourself struggling to break through a plateau. Maybe you just can't jog that mile continuously, or maybe your knees or feet are starting to give you a hard time. If you find yourself in this position, you might want to consider hiring a personal trainer for the day to give you the tools and tricks to break through that plateau. A trainer can give you guidance on proper breathing techniques and proper form. And remember, as with any other exercise program, it's important to factor rest into your workout to avoid over-training and protect yourself from injury.
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