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How to begin your exercise routine

Posted on December 13th, 2007 in Uncategorized by

If you haven’t been exercising on a regular basis before, then you shouldn’t overdo it right in the beginning. What you need to do is to ease yourself into a routine. For a beginner or a person who is new to running on a regular basis it would be safe to start with around a kilometer a day. Since not many of us know how much a kilometer actually is, it is roughly three and a half rounds of a football field (if you can do even two at a stretch, you’re not as out of shape as I was when I started) or around 30 rounds of a basketball court. Since you’re beginning, even that much could pose quite a problem, so even 15 at a stretch and then another 10 is enough for the first couple of days.

You need to increase the amount you run every 4-5 days after the initial period. After almost a month you should be quite comfortable doing two and a half to three kilometers with ease. 

It is however very important that you don’t overdo it, because the worst thing that can happen when you begin an exercise program is to be laid up in bed with injuries. So take it slow because results will show only with consistent effort and not irregular running.It is also very important to begin every jog or run with a few loosening up exercises without which you could pull a muscle or in some cases have even more serious injuries.

Also after you’re done with your run you need to limber down and do a few exercises to help your body relax, failing which blood could pool in the extremities and cause some problems. Light exercise before and after a jog are as important as the jog itself as they help your body get accustomed and ready for what is to come next.

Have you “run” your best?

Posted on December 7th, 2007 in Motivation by

I started running in July and haven’t stopped since. Sure, it’s a great form of exercise, probably the best and most complete but to be only there was only one motive which made me run. Weight. I was running to lose to flab, for a fitter thinner me, I was literally running away from being fat. I looked in the mirror in the changing room one day, and that was my motivation.

Somewhere along the line, it has become about self-actualization to me. I really don’t want to be Kate Moss or Heidi Klum, I want to do what Maslow talked about- be the best I can be. And if my best isn’t Gisele Bundchen or any other supermodel, that’s fine with me.

That is what each one of us needs to do. Get our inspiration from inside. When I say look in the mirror for I motivation, I don’t mean do what most teenage girls and women are doing. The idea is never to hate yourself, it is not to be discontent with the way you are, it is to fulfill your potential. Every single person owes to it himself or herself to be the best person they are capable of being. 

Running is about being fit and healthy. Not everyone is a Michael Johnson or a Marion Jones but everyone can try. Running increases your stamina, makes you stronger, healthier and fitter and it makes you go about your day in a much more energetic and efficient manner. You won’t be dragging yourself to class nor be a zombie at work if you stick to your morning jog.

Though I may never be an athlete or have a perfect body, I know I am a healthy person and I am comfortable with that. I’m more confident and that’s what all of us need to me. So the mantra is to try to be the best you can be. Pull those sneakers from under your bed and watch as the magic of running enter all the spheres of your life.

The Benefits of Running

Posted on November 27th, 2007 in Beginners by

When we talk about running, it categorizes people into three categories. Those who love it, those who hate it, and those who don’t care. Of course, the first category outnumbers the other two by a very large number, and for good reason. Running is not popular only because it’s a fun sport, it is also the most complete form of exercise recommended by doctors, physicians and trainers.The benefits of running are varied and widespread, and listing every single one down would make a long list indeed. The reasons, like I said, are varied, and each one is sufficient by itself. It may be to lose weight or get fit. Perhaps you should run to stay healthy and happy. It could even be a way to meet people or to compete with themselves or others in races.

Physical Benefits

The most common reason why many people take up running is with the idea of losing weight. Losing excess weight through running has been established to be one of the healthiest things one can do. Running not only helps fight diseases, it also helps to strengthen your heart and whole cardiovascular system. Not only that, running even prevents muscle and bone loss that occurs naturally with old age. These are just a few of the health benefits one earns from running.

Mental

There are numerous and, in fact, scientifically proven psychological benefits to running as well. Running has been observed to build confidence in all ages of people. Additionally, going for a jog during your day can reduce your stress level drastically. As we know, of course, endorphins are the body’s natural antidepressant.

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