How to Start Jogging

Interested in learning how to start jogging? There are some things that you can do to prepare your body before you go out for a jog. It takes a good amount of stamina and energy to be a good jogger. In the beginning, it is best to slowly get started. This will allow you to prepare yourself both mentally and physically to go the distance. By taking the time to really learn how to start jogging, you will reduce your chances of straining your muscles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Do a good warm up. Think of it as a jogging exercise routine that you will do before each jog. It will help your blood circulate and get more oxygen flowing to your muscles. This will help keep you flexible and prepare your body for the demands of jogging. It will speed up your hear rate, which will minimize the amount of stress on your heart from the jog. You can warm up by walking slowly for 5 minutes. Then gradually intensify it until you are walking at a brisk pace. Stretch for about 5 minutes and that can be the end of your jogging exercise.

2. Gradually shift from walking to jogging. You can do this by alternating between jogging and brisk walking. Continue alternating between the two for 20 minutes. Then jog for about 2 minutes. Then spend the next 5 minutes walking. Remember to walk immediately after you finish the jogging. This will keep the muscles you used during the jog from feeling worn down and it will improve your endurance, allowing you to jog further.
   Over time, you can gradually increase your running time and decrease your walking.

3. Check your jogging form. Jogging in the proper form can reduce the amount of stress on your body. Keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Don't look down at your feet. As you jog, the ball of your foot should land on the ground first, and then let your foot roll forward until your toes touch the ground. This will help prevent strains or injuries to your foot. Keep your gently closed near your waist. Tightening your hands can cause strain to your neck and shoulders. Keep your arms bent at a 90 degree angle and let them move from back to front.

4. Pay attention to your breathing. This will help you determine if you are jogging at a speed that your body can handle. You should be able to participate in a conversation when you jog. If your breathing is labored, then you are moving too fast.

5. Give yourself a cooling off period. Get into the habit of doing a jogging exercise routine at the end, to help your body gradually slow down from your jog. Take a five minute walk. Start with a brisk pace and then walk slowly and then do some stretches.

[karileighk]

on 6/24/2009 I've been thinking about this. *5

[sonni57]

on 5/29/2009 Thanks for the good article on jogging you definitely need to prepare.