Every year it seems like there’s a new exercise craze. It’s great to diet and exercise. But there’s nothing better than a run if you want to get into shape. It works your whole body. And you can do it for free.
Just make sure to watch your form. You don’t want to injure yourself. So follow these four simple steps to avoid running injuries.
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Proper Footwear
If you just buy a cheap pair of running shoes, you won’t get the needed support. And you’ll put a lot of strain on all of your joints which leads to injury. It’s worth investing in good quality shoes.
Good running shoes will last you longer and help absorb some of the strain to your legs. You can also get Biopods. These are special insoles that give you extra support for running. These are particularly helpful if you’re like me and have abnormally shaped feet that aren’t suited to a standard shoe size.
Eat And Drink Right
If you aren’t eating well before and after you go running, your body won’t repair itself properly. Your muscles will endure increased strain every time you run. And this will make injuries more likely. Stay hydrated during your run to further protect your muscles and joints.
So make sure to eat and drink. Your body will thank you. And your running will improve.
Gradually Increase the Length of Your Workout
Don’t become too enthusiastic too quickly. You don’t want to start with a 5 mile run! Enthusiasm is fabulous. It’s even contagious. But pushing yourself too far too fast is a great way to get injured.
Here’s what happens when you go from inactivity to running long distances. You put strain on your muscles and joints. Build gradually, starting with a short run. And make sure you leave enough time for recovery between runs.
Give yourself “rest days”. This way you can give your body time to repair and recover. Two days in a row is fine. But after that, take a break! Give yourself a day where you don’t put strain on your legs.
Speak To An Expert
One of the main reasons that people get injured when they run is bad form. You don’t want to run with incorrect posture or come down too hard on one side. This can easily cause injury.
Book a session with a personal trainer. And have them watch you run on a treadmill. They’ll be able to tell you if your form is off. And they’ll help you eradicate bad habits from the get-go. This is a great investment in your running career.
So these are your four steps to perfect your running technique. Follow these simple rules and you’ll likely run injury free for years!
