Does any exercise really compare to running? No machinery needed, just you and the great outdoors. It’s one of the most accessible exercises that one can perform, and it has so many benefits. The CDC recommends running for an hour and 15 minutes every week for its health benefits.

Hyped to put on those running shoes and hit the track? Slow down. Before you channel your inner Forrest Gump, you might want to hold up and give these a read.

Shorter Intervals to Begin With

Initially, you’ll get hyped to run the whole track in one go, but that’s easier said than done. You’ll have some difficulty in running for more extended periods when you’ve just started, but that’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re worn out during a sprint, walk for shorter intervals, catching your breath in between before you start to pace back up again. 

Alternating between walking and sprinting will help you get into a routine and build more endurance for longer sprints over time.

Start Slow

Don’t let the euphoria of the breeze hitting your face as you race fast fool you. When you’re starting, you want to maintain a pace that helps you get the most out of your run. Bursting full speed right away will lead you to get tired very quickly, which can be frustrating if you’re new to running and feel incompetent right away. 

Start running at a moderate pace and build a habit of running from there on out.

Post-Run Exercise

Having had a great sprint, you want to drop to the floor and get a nap as soon as possible. But before that, you owe yourself some exercise. Now you might be thinking, aren’t you supposed to exercise BEFORE you’ve gone for a run? 

But the reality is that you have to stretch your muscles after strenuous exercise as well. As your muscles tighten and stiffen up after a hefty session of running, they demand static stretches for around 30 seconds at the very least. It helps your muscles recover much more quickly.

Taking Care of Your Body

Though our legs seem to be doing most of the working, running is a full body workout. It requires the entire body to be in good shape to get the most out of it. It is important as a runner to focus on strength training, especially for the core to get the best results. Getting personal training services could help you out if you need assistance.

On the Go Fitness Pro is concerned about the public’s health and provides various services, including Exercises That Help Reduce Belly Fat, online fitness coaching, Senior fitness Arlington, and nutritional coaching in Alexandria, VA. Get in touch with us today for a better, healthier life.