Do's and Don'ts of Jogging can be extremely helpful to both new and advanced runners. My husband and I are both runners. We love to jog and we go jogging together nearly every day after he gets off work. I love jogging! It's a great way to stay healthy and physically fit and work out a little stress while you're at it. But whether you are a beginner or have been running for a while, there are always a few tips to keep in mind. It's always a good idea to start with the basics if you have never done any jogging previously. I have a list of do's and don'ts of jogging that are crucial for any jogger to follow. These are basic tips that will help you get in a good run without hurting yourself and you will benefit from it. So don't hesitate to read this list and make sure you are jogging safely. Here are 7 do's and don'ts of jogging!
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1. Do Warm up First
One of the top do's and don'ts of jogging is to make sure you warm up before you jump into a fast paced jog. You can do this by walking, cycling, or whichever methods you prefer. Your performance will be much better if you warm up before jumping into a full swing jog. Start out slowly and build up speed as you go. If you are a first time jogger, speed will only come with practice. Pace yourself to be able to last until your set goal. As you become a more experienced runner, you will be able to run faster for longer periods of time.
2. Don't Run if You're Dehydrated
This is one lesson I had to learn the hard way! Before I started running, I hardly ever drank water. I drank sodas and juice and coffee, but rarely ever water. And when I began to jog, I became dehydrated and nearly passed out! I quickly learned that water is the key to a successful jog! I also noticed that once I started drinking more water and cut out the sodas and coffee, I had more energy, my skin behaved much better and my stamina for running was much bigger! Now I actually crave water! My body uses it as fast as I can drink it. You will notice these changes too once you start drinking more water and hydrating better.
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3. Do Set a Goal
One of the do's and don'ts of jogging that will really help you out is to remember to set a goal. You can set a goal with either time or distance. I like to do both, just depending on my mood or how much time I have. If I only have 10 or 15 minutes to spare, I set a goal of time. Otherwise, I generally aim for a distance goal. If you are a beginner, my suggestion is to set a goal of time and from there work up to goals of distance. My husband can run 3 miles in 14 minutes! Now I'm not that good, but I do like to try and set a goal of time and distance and work towards them both. You will be able to do that too, once you've been running for a while!
4. Don't Run Where You're Not Visible
Never jog at night without the proper equipment for night jogging. In fact, steer clear of jogging anywhere where there is a lot of traffic whether it's day or night! Always jog facing the traffic, and wear clothing that will make you stand out to drivers. I always suggest running on a track when you have access to one. If you don't have a track, run in the park or on walking trails. Always run on the street or roads as a last resort. Even the sidewalk is a better option than running directly on the road!
5. Do Wear Proper Running Clothes
This may not seem like a big deal, but it's one of the big do's and don'ts of jogging! You would be surprised at how much of a difference it makes when you have the proper clothing for jogging! Get a good pair of running shoes first of all. Proper running shoes help prevent back problems, support your feet and deliver more comfort. Don't forego a good sports bra! You want to give the girls good support so they don't flap all over the place, looking unattractive and making your back ache. Also, good fitting running shorts will keep the hazard of tripping at bay and the annoying flapping noise that basketball shorts make will be far away if you have on your running shorts! Choose materials that wick away moisture to keep you dry and fresh. Invest in a good stopwatch, ipod earbuds, and a water bottle. You will need them all!
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6. Don't Push Yourself Too Hard
If there's one of the for jogging that you should really heed, it's this one. Pushing yourself too far can result in cardiac arrest and that would not be good! It's good to push yourself a little bit farther than you think you can go, but know your limits. It's natural to want to give up when you get to a certain point, and you need to learn to distinguish between the desire to stop and the need to stop. Both are two very different things. Pushing your limits is good to a certain point, but when it puts your health in danger, it's not so good anymore.
7. Do Stretch Afterwards
Here's a great tip on the do's and don'ts of jogging. Make sure you cool down afterwards. Walk a few laps and stretch out your leg muscles while you catch your breath. Then take some time to do a few stretches. Stretch your calves and your hamstrings and even your abs since they take a pretty good beating while running. Stretching helps your muscles to cool down and relax, and it will also enhance your performance next time you run. Try it and see for yourself!
I hope my tips on the do's and don'ts of jogging have been helpful to you! Jogging is a wonderful exercise with many benefits, but there are ways to stay safe and healthy about it, as with anything; following these great do's and don'ts of jogging can help. Do you have any tips or additional do's and don'ts of jogging of your own to share? We're always on the lookout for feedback from our readers so please, comment below and let us know how you like the article!
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