Global Sports: How to Safely Start Running for Weight Loss

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

How to Safely Start Running for Weight Loss

By Jacquie Cattanach


Were you aware that running is actually one of the best ways to reduce your weight? You could find other ways that are easier but they are not nearly as effective as running is. Plus, there are only a few other methods that are even close to the effectiveness of running. You could find that running takes alot of hard work and self discipline so it's important that you prepare yourself and make sure you are committed. Below you are going to find some important tips that will help you when starting to run for weight loss and keep you as safe as possible.

Speak With Your Doctor

It's a good idea to visit your doctor for a full check up before you start running. This assumes more importance if you have been inactive, are overweight, have heart problems or other health issues. In any case, getting a clean bill of health from your doctor is a good idea if only because it will help you identify any potential problems before they occur.

Buy A Good Pair Of Running Shoes

Having the correct pair of running shoes is extremely important. Not only do shoes protect your feet but they will also support your body when you run. These runners are not the same as other shoes that you find because they have extra cushioning that will absorb the shock that your feet have to endure. You also should see if your shoes are the correct tightness. You want support but you do not want to be uncomfortable. You need to make sure that your shoes do all of these things or your running could be over before it's begun.

Do A Proper Warm Up

Another very important aspect of a running routine is warming up. You will be able to reduce wear and tear on your joints, muscles and tendons by limbering them up when you do a proper warm up. When you are limber you will be able to get into the rhythm of things much easier. If you begin to jog before warming up you could injure yourself which could cause alot of pain.

My advice is that you start with a brisk walk of about five minutes before you run, jog slowly for about another ten minutes and then stop and do some stretching. This will allow your body to be at its best temperature to start running with ease.

Never Diet When you Run

Even if you main reason for running is to shed some weight, you shouldn't diet when you begin to run. A good option is to eat healthy foods and cut down on those junk foods and snacks.

Be Relaxed When You Run

This is another important aspect behind running. Correct posture is important, not only because it will help you run better, but because it will help you relax the rest of your body when you run. Hold yourself erect and look ahead. Don't look down or lean forward. Relax your shoulders and arms and try not to clench your fists.

Intake More Water

Water is going to do you more good than any other fluid. When you run you are going to sweat and this means that you body is losing moisture which could leave you dehydrated. You need to make sure that you drink water at least an hour before running and that you keep drinking water throughout the entire day to make sure that your body has plenty of fluids.

Include Strength Training as Part of Your Regimen

Even though strength training isn't part of running it will help you build more muscle mass while you burn off some of that fat. This should be part of the long term plan because building up muscle mass can be quite difficult and take quite a while.

Adding running to your exercise routine is a great way to keep your weight in check or lose some of those extra pounds that have been hanging around. But your goal is to lose weight through running, it's important not to jump right into a running routine without considering the above important details first.




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