Running is not only a great way to get in shape and stay healthy, but it can become a pastime or even a competitive hobby for many people that take it up. What’s more, summer is the time of year when many people consider taking up running, attracted by blue skies and light evenings. However, there are certain steps that you should take and tips that you should follow in order to help ensure that you don’t suffer severe injuries or become ill as a result of your new fitness regimen.
Consider starting your health kick by walking, rather than running. Alternatively, you can set off at a brisk walk, and run intermittently over relatively short distances. This will give you a better idea of the level of exercise your body can cope with, and you can ease your joints and muscles into it, reducing the risk of stress injuries.
If you are taking up running to lose weight, and it is a long time since you have done any notable exercise, you might want to consider talking to your doctor first. They will be able to take any physical ailments that you suffer into account, and give you a general physical check-up before you don your trainers and head out of the door.
Always ensure that you are well hydrated.
This not only means drinking water before and after you run, but making sure that you consume a suitable amount of liquids over the course of the day. A lot of people do not drink enough water as it is, but when you start exercising, you will need to increase your fluid intake.
Check your route and be careful where you are running.
While solicitors like Withy King can submit personal injury compensation claims on your behalf if you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the ideal situation would be to avoid busy roads, stay away from poorly maintained surfaces, and stick to those routes that you know are safe and well cared for.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on trainers and running gear, but you should ensure that you have reasonable equipment and clothing. If you try running in unsuitable shoes you could damage your ankles, legs, and other areas of the body. Buy a cheap pair of trainers to begin with because you can always upgrade to something more expensive later.
Running can prove a good way to get fit and healthy, and summer evenings are an especially alluring time to run. Ensure that you are well prepared, that you aren’t inviting further damage to existing injuries, and that you take on plenty of water to replace the fluids you will lose.
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