How To Start Jogging for Beginners

I find jogging one of the best way to lose fat. It can be done anywhere as long as you have your jogging shoes with you. Personally, I jog around my condo – up onto the carpark, around the playground and building. It is repetitive, but it is what is most convenient for me.

The best time to jog is in the morning, right after you wake up. If you are planning to lose fat, don’t take breakfast. Just drink a large glass of water. You may want to add a little salt if you are afraid of cramps. Stretch for 5 minutes but be careful not to overstretch as your body is still not warmed up yet. By not eating prior to your job, you will force your body to utilize its fat reserves.

If it is your first time running in a long while, start with 10 minutes of slow run non stop. Do not stop unless you feel some kind of chest of head pain. Try to keep your breathing consistent. Perhaps you can breathe according to your steps. The most important rule when you are starting out is not to push the body to hard. Your main goal is to build or regain stamina in the first two month.

At the second run, keep your time to 10 minutes. At the third run, increase the time to 12 minutes. At the fourth run, keep your time at 12 minutes. At the fifth run, increase the time to 14 minutes. Basically, you increase your time by 2 minutes every second run. This will allow you to gradually increase your stamina without hurting too much. Keep doing it until you reach 60 minutes.

As a beginner, do not worry about speed. Just run at a speed where you feel you can still talk to someone. If you gasping for air, it’s probably too fast. An important technique to remember for beginners is the heel-to-toe technique. Land softly on the heel, roll forward to the ball of your foot and push off with your toes. A common mistake that many beginners make it is to land to heavily with a pounding action.

An important factor is to get a good running shoes. They need to be light, with proper support and have breathable materials. My advice is to go for good brands like Nike, Adidas, Asics, Mizuno. It may be a little more expensive, but it would be worth it. Make sure they are running shoes, and not fancy cross trainers or walking shoes. It is also advisable to get a pair of good running shorts. Otherwise, your legs may get chapped when it rubs against each other.

Finally, have fun. Don’t think of it as a chore. Imagine yourself getting healthier each time you run. Go do it today!