Rec and Sports

How To Start Jogging

A great aerobic activity to strengthen your mind and body is jogging. Jogging is an appropriate exercise for anyone regardless of size or fitness level.

All you need to begin jogging is a good pair of running shoes. Make sure your shoes fit well and offer adequate support. Once you are set with shoes, you are ready to begin jogging. The first day may be the most difficult. Regardless of how hard you have to push your mind and body keep on trying.

It will help you as you learn to jog if you have a way to keep up with your progress. There are a number of ways to do this. Each method has its own pros and cons. Choose the means of tracking your progress which is easiest for you. A treadmill is a very easy way to measure progress and speed, but running on a treadmill can become The most convenient one should be chosen which will help sticking to the jogging routine. A treadmill can measure how far one has gone and at what speed you ran, but can become dull and tedious.

Jog at a park or on a road where you can identify landmarks that will indicate how far you have gone. A stopwatch, either handheld or on a watch, will help measure speed over distance. This is a great way to keep up with your progress. Another useful tool to use when jogging is an MP3 player, or iPod. Music is a great motivator and helps pass the time. A jogging partner can also help keep you accountable to your jogging routine. A partner is helpful to keep you accountable when you find it difficult to continue jogging.

It is best to begin with a warm up. Walk around and stretch your legs for about two to three minutes. Then, you are good to start jogging. Your first goal is to get started and establish a distance that you want to cover. Don’t worry too much about speed. Slow down and catch your breath if you need to, just speed up when you can. Find a nice easy pace for your gait. When you begin jogging it is not unusual for it to take fifteen to twenty minutes to run a mile. It may take even longer. The important thing is that you get out, find your pace, and begin jogging.

You will find that jogging takes more mental will than physical energy. Your mind will tell you that you cannot do it, but you have to convince yourself that you can. Your mind is weak when it comes to exercises you have not tried before. Take control of your mind. Calm your mind and concentrate on breathing. This will help you motivate yourself to go on. Remember the old adage, slow and steady wins the race. Jog as long as you can. Then, take time to cool down with a walk. Finish up your exercise with easy stretching.