Those of us who have embraced running as the means to take us up a level to being a fitter person have done so for a reason. After all, we all want to be fit, right? Whether it's because we want to be the best version of ourselves, because we want to be strong, or because we just want to live a healthier lifestyle, staying fit has, thankfully, become a lifestyle choice that more and more people are adhering to.
We first started out with beginning a walking program and took stock of how well we were doing by using a reliable Pedometer like the Yamax EX-510 Power-Walker Multi-Function Pedometer. And while this worked to motivate me to want to be healthier, to meet each goal and when met, to make new ones. This walking regimen has served me well, as I have outgrown the measured, in fact, a brisk walking pace to try the more strenuous sport of running. And while going to the gym is certainly the most effective way of staying in shape, going for a run has its benefits as well. In fact, most people who choose to not go to the gym usually rely on their morning or evening runs to stay fit. But running can often seem like a monotonous route (pun intended!) to take, one that can seem pretty basic and mundane.
So, with that in mind, here are 5 running tips you should adhere to if you want to make it more fun (and safe!) for you.
Listen While You Run: We all like music, some more than others. But we also know that listening to music while we run can help make the run more enjoyable and take our minds off of the exertions we’re putting our bodies through. Just like any other workout, listening to music while you go for a run can actually help energize you. As such, owning a quality pair of wireless headphones and listening to your favorite songs is a great way of pumping yourself up during your runs. When searching for the best Bluetooth headphones for running, you should keep an eye out on ones belonging to reputable brands, like the Fitbit Flyer Wireless Fitness Headphones Fitbit has combined premium sound capability with a sturdy, comfortable, & (most importantly) sweat-proof design. Another one to take a serious look at is the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Headphones Designed with athletes in mind, the Trekz Titanium is sweatproof, secure, and will allow you to hear your surroundings - no matter where life takes you. You'll be able to tackle every workout, no matter how tough, with the either of these great brands, they both offer a good wireless range and optimum battery life.
Where Your Foot Hits The Road, Or Trail: While it may not involve you having to go to a gym, you shouldn't forget that running is a physical exercise. And just like any physical exercise that you do, the risk of injury is always there. As such, investing in the best running shoes is simply the right thing to do. Think of it this way, your shoe is the only thing coming between your foot and the road or trail itself! You need to ensure your foot has the best protection and designed sole, tongue, and orthopedically designed supports to enable you to run longer without causing your foot any discomfort.
There are many factors that you should keep in mind before you purchase a pair of running shoes - your weight, the drop of the shoe (which is basically the difference between the forefoot measurements and the heel) and the cushioning that the shoe will provide you. If you make an informed choice, not only will you make running more fun, but you also ensure that you don't get accidently injured.
Switch Things Up A Bit: It's not for nothing that people say that variety is the spice of life! As such, you can also mix in some cardio exercises in the middle of your runs to break the monotony and make things more fun. For instance, adding a few jumping jacks, butt kicks, squat jumps and jumping lunges to your run can make things less boring. This can also help you to give those leg muscles a break that involves stretching those tendons and ligaments that may have tightened up some from the brisk pace you've put them through. Just keep in mind that this break of various stretches and lunges is meant to get you limber as you continue on with your run.
Take a Walk or Jog Break: Nowhere is it written that you should run for 30 minutes straight without taking any breaks whatsoever, after all, you're not the Flash! So, it's advisable to take walk/jog breaks while you're running. Not only will doing so ensure that you don't run out of stamina, but it will also help you to be easier on your body.
Don't Do It Alone: Just like having a gym partner can make working out less monotonous going for your runs with a friend or family member can make them a lot more fun as well. Apart from ensuring that you'll always have a source of motivation right next to you, you can rely on your running partner for some healthy competition as well.
Now, these are just a few suggestions/recommendations to make your run a little more enjoyable so that you don’t fall into a “runners-rut”. After all, we all know that running is good for us, just like eating fiber-rich foods, but variety can make a healthy habit easier to continue on with.
Happy Running from the gang here at PedometersUSA.com