We always hear about how great of an exercise running is for you and how effective it can be in helping you reach your weight loss goals. But running can sometimes be a difficult and exhausting exercise if not done right, which often is the case for most people. Luckily there are some subtle changes you can make in your running habits that can easily make you a better runner and inspire you to keep it a part of your active lifestyle! ?Try incorporating these 6 tips into your running routine and see what a huge difference it can do for you.
Always Stretch
Stretching before and after a run is a very important factor to include in your routine. ?Start your run with a small, full body stretch targeting your torso, hip flexors, legs, and ankles. ?Warming up your muscles helps to prevent an injury and also initiates blood flow to your muscles. After your run; make sure to include a longer, deeper stretch to ease your worked muscles and prevent soreness the next day.
Keep the Proper Form
Having correct form when running is not only more comfortable and better for your muscles, but it also makes the actual run a little bit easier. Keep a straight posture with relaxed shoulders, ensuring good blood circulation. ?Your hands should be in unclenched fists and should swing back and forth not across the body (which will also expend less energy!). Align your hips directly under your torso and keep your feet facing forward with each stride. ?Adding these adjustments into your routine not only help your performance, but also help to prevent injuries.
Be Comfortable
Having the right exercise gear can have an immense impact in how you feel during and after a run. ?Make sure you have the proper running shoes that form well to your feet, as well as light and flexible clothing.
Fuel Right
Make sure to eat something before a run to stay energized, but not too much to where you might start cramping. ?Eating a half hour to an hour prior to your run helps to prevent these problems. ?Eating a high carb meal will help you stay energized. ?Foods such as bananas, oatmeal, and whole grain breads are all high carb and great energy sources to keep you fueled.
Hydrate
It?s important to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as well as drinking at least 16 ounces of water an hour prior to your run. ?This will help maintain healthy blood circulation and will help you power through your workout. ?It is also important to re-hydrate after a run. ?Make sure you are drinking enough water and something with electrolytes to replenish your fluids and prevent dehydration.
Get a Great Playlist
Nothing gets you more pumped up and driven than a good set of songs for a thorough workout! Especially when running, try finding songs that have a fast-paced beat to help you run to the rhythm of the music. ?Studies have shown that listening to music while exercising is great for your mind and body by acting as a motivational tool, helping you ignore fatigue, while even improving your lung function. ?And yes, there is even an app for this! ??Jog-fm is a popular running app where it calculates your pace and matches it with a song to keep you amped through your entire workout. ?Either way, whatever you choose to use for the soundtrack to your run, you can?t go wrong with motivating yourself with some great music.