Benefit Of Jogging
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Your jogging program must match your goals!
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Jogging for exercise is a fun way to stay in shape. Jogging for weight loss, with a
healthy eating diet plan, gets the job accomplished right.
If you plan to run a marathon, the benefit of jogging many miles is exactly what you
need. If you are a track sprinter, jogging is unlikely to be the most ideal of
track and field workouts. Jogging does increase your endurance and it also works well
for warming up. Jogging is not sprinting and doesn't work the variety of muscles a
sprinter needs.
Where to jog?
You can jog about anywhere, as long as you don’t trespass or violate any traffic laws.
Jog somewhere you feel safe from hazards. Jogging with music is great on a treadmill,
but dangerous on the road as you can’t hear traffic or predators (animal or human).
Once, I was jogging a trail and heard a crack, then, a tree fell down a few feet in
front of me. Hearing was a very good thing.
I like different jogging routes. Different routes provide different challenges
and a lack of monotony. Trails are better than roads, because of traffic and
exhaust fumes. Winding trails with hills provide a variety of terrain and works
different muscles. If you are a track sprinter, this is much better for
you. Jump a few logs while you're at it.
If you are out of town, ask somebody that lives there. They may have some great
ideas. Beware of their estimate of distance though. If they run, they’ll tend
to be more accurate. Someone who only drives may suggest a short drive which
may turn out to be many miles.
Once, on a business trip, I had to figure out a running route. I like running
when I can see, but my first meeting of the day was before sun up. My solution
was to run up 17 flights of hotel stairs (great for a track sprinter). Great
views from the top floor too. Be creative!
I usually start in a direction, then when I’ve gone about half what I want, I
turn back. This works great. Just don’t start running down a long hill.
Of course it’s much more difficult to run back up and can really screw up your
schedule as well.
When to jog?
The easy answer to this question is, “when you have time.” Your real answer may
include different variables. If you live in a hot climate, it may be more
comfortable to run in the cool of the morning. I like daylight so I can see
obstacles to avoid.
You can jog in the snow or rain. You just need to adjust to your cold weather
running apparel. This jogging gear usually consist of layers, starting with a
moisture wicking material and ending with a waterproof shell. You might use some
polar fleece in between. Just remember, jogging warms you up about 10-30 degrees
(Fahrenheit).
Running For Beginners Program
Jogging shouldn't be too fast. You should be able to talk while you jog. Start
with a short distance, then work your way up to your target distance. A good
running for beginners program won't increase your distance more than about 25%
at a time.
Jogging gear doesn't require a lot. Your basic jogging gear is simple. You just
need running shoes and clothes. Just dig things out of your closet and start. It
doesn't even require the expense of a gym membership unless you use a tread
mill. As you run more, pick the equipment and outfits for your specific
circumstances.
Since jogging is repetitive, jogging can bring on repetitive motion injuries
(tendonitis). If you get sore, take a day off, or do different exercises. You
actually get stronger as you heal (rest). Once you get tendonitis, it can be a
very difficult problem to solve.
One benefit of jogging is time to think. Another is the potential for great scenery,
assuming you choose your course accordingly.