Running can be such a fun and rewarding exercise. As a female personal trainer in San Francisco who helps people get into shape, I always like helping clients find alternative activities that they can do when they aren’t working out with me. Running is a great option for that. Of course, if your doctor doesn’t clear you to run and if you have health issues, running may not be the best alternative activity for you. Running is amazing for your cardiovascular health and it requires almost nothing but good shoes and the right attitude.
If you’re new to running, here are five tips to make it easier to start the process:
- Find flooring that has more cushion. Running on cement can be hard on the joints so finding a nice trail or track would be ideal. In San Francisco, you can find tracks at Kezar Stadium or Sunset Recreation Center. There are beautiful trails such as Lake Merced or Lands End. If you’re running on a trail, be mindful of any bumps or trees in the way.
- Start small. Go for a walk, but find a few spots on your path ahead of you that you can run to. This way you are not running all at once.
- Jog. Jogging is a great way to build endurance for running and it is a type of running. Like number 2 above, find a spot on your path and jog to it. Find another spot on the path and run to it. Then find a spot on the path and walk to it. This way you are giving your self time to recover and time to try out different running speeds.
- Use your core. Even though you are on a run using your leg muscles, it doesn’t mean your core should be ignored. Lightly lift your core muscles and brace them so that they are tight. Using your core during a run or jog will help support your back and help those core muscles get a workout.
- Listen to music. Music is a great motivator for working out. During a run, you could walk during the verse and run during the chorus. Even better, create a running playlist with your favorite motivational workout songs.
When I help people get into shape, I suggest running twice a week for half an hour to an hour. And as stated above, when starting out, that doesn’t mean running the entire time. Happy Running!
-Becca, MA CPT
Image by Roshan Rajopadhyaya from Pixababy