Are These Mistakes Ruining Your Running Habit?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Running is a good way to work out and stay in shape. Many people choose it because it feels challenging. But many others choose it because it's easy. You don't need much -- just shoes and a trail. It doesn't cost a bunch of money. You don't have to be a pro either; you just have to to do it. But believe it or not, there are some mistakes you might be making that could be ruining your running experience. If you're interested in keeping your running routine safe, effective, and fun, take a look at these little mistakes that you should avoid.
Are You Going Too Fast?
Going too fast is one of the most common mistakes of beginner and adept runners alike. We subconsciously think that the faster we run, the better workout we're getting. But running fast for only a few minutes doesn't really do your body much good. While sprinting can be a good workout, these kinds of workouts should be planned in advance. If you're simply going for a run, it's important to go at a pace that is both comfortable and challenging. If you run too quickly, you're more likely to give up, create too much soreness, and ruin your running habit for good.
Are You Warming Up?
If you don't warm up properly, you're not giving your body the chance to really prepare itself for your run.Your muscles won't be warm or flexible. Your mind won't be ready. You'll be more prone to injury. The warm up is a crucial part of your workout, and it's one that professional athletes will never skip. If you feel like your running habit is suffering, and you're not taking the time to warm up properly, try incorporating this habit into your routine to see what happens next.
Are You Listening to Your Body?
The body is always speaking to us. But oftentimes, we're so distracted by other things that we can't hear what our bodies are saying. If you want to create a running routine that you love and that lasts, you have to learn to listen to your body. Are you experiencing pain? Are you overly exhausted? Are you mentally strained? All of these can affect your running habit. Practice getting in tune with your body, and your running routine is likely to improve.
Running is a great habit to keep. It helps us stay in shape, build muscles, burn fat, and feel our best. But if we're not careful, we can ruin the habit before we ever have a chance to love it. Watch for these common mistakes, and you'll be able to build a running routine that lasts for better health in your life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Johns Creek, Ga.