Health:-Run! There is nothing like running

Running is a form of exercise that doesn't require much investment and also burns more calories than other cardiovascular exercises.

If you're a novice runner, here are a few tips that will have you running miles without much difficulty

Start slow and gradual

Usually, when people decide to take up running as a form of exercise, they start running for a long period of time instead to starting slow and gradually increasing the duration. This leads to them getting burnt out and quitting soon. If you tend to overdo something, you come to a saturation point when you can't workout anymore. So avoid focusing on the distance you're covering, instead focus on the movement. Moreover, you can also incorporate run/walk intervals to help increase your cardiovascular endurance. For example, walk briskly for two minutes, run for one minute and repeat.

Use the right technique

Developing the right technique is of utmost importance. Run lightly on your feet and use your butt and abdominals for movement. Warm up with functional movements such as squats, lunges and jumping jacks. Once the warm up is done, you can do a little bit of stretching of your hips, hamstrings and calves. This will help you run with extra effort.

Wear proper footwear

Wearing the right kind of footwear is very essential when you start running. For this, you can go to a footwear store that specialises in sports footwear. Be cautious while purchasing your pair of sport shoes because if you end up making a wrong choice you can end up with an injury or a twisted ankle. So see to it that your shoes are not only comfortable but also give you a great grip.

Vary your routine

This is one tip every fitness trainer would surely give you. Cross training and varying routines keeps your joints from injuries due to overuse. You can add some sport activities like badminton, swimming and elliptical workout to your routine; anything that doesn't replicate running. Moreover, varying routines also has another benefit - it helps you lose weight faster. Do not get your body used to one specific exercise.

Have your friends joining you

When it comes to running, you need not have a partner who's equally skilled or has great stamina. Everyone is welcome. So if you're bored running alone, you can ask your group of friends to join you. This will not only motivate you but you'll also become a regular at it. On days you don't feel like stepping outside home, your friends will motivate you and make you stick to the routine.

Source:-The Times of India