Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise and there are plenty of good reasons why. It doesn’t require special equipment, you can practice either alone or with a group, and you don’t even need a gym membership. At the same time, it boasts an impressive range of benefits for both your physical and mental health.
Of course, beginners interested in running for the first time should know that all sports come with some risk of injury. However, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting hurt by following some simple guidelines. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the benefits and risks of running and tell you what you need to get started.
Benefits of running
Honestly, running is so good for you that the full list of benefits is too long to share in this blog post. But we went ahead and selected just a few.
Improved cardiovascular health
One thing doctors can agree on: cardio is not overrated. Getting your heart pumping faster on a regular basis can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Of course, consult with a medical professional if you have any pre-existing conditions.
Weight loss
If your doctor has suggested that you’re above your ideal weight, you might consider incorporating aerobic exercise such as running into your lifestyle. Paired with a nutritious diet, it’s an effective way to shed some kilos and feel better than ever.
Mood-boosting power
Running has been proven to help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. As if that weren’t enough, over time it may even improve your daily energy level and self-esteem.
Running risks and recommendations
All the good things in life come with risks, and running is no exception. So live to the fullest, get your daily dose of exercise, but do take some precautions so that your love affair with running doesn’t come to a sudden, unfortunate end.
Overuse injuries
This kind of running injury results from demanding too much of your body without giving it proper rest and care. Common overuse injuries include Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee) and shin splints. To reduce your risk of overuse injuries, stretch before and after running. Also, avoid increasing running speed and distance at the same time.
Acute injuries
This type of injury is the result of a sudden trauma, like when you fall or twist your ankle. Similar recommendations apply for reducing your risk of this kind of injury but we can also add that, to avoid tripping, you should start running on a well-illuminated, even surface like a track. It’s also important to make sure your shoes fit properly, as ill-fitting sneakers can trip you up.
Getting started: running apparel
Would we even be a fashion brand if we didn’t include a section about running clothes? Health and safety may come first, but looking stylish is up there, too 😉.
Running shoes
Investing in a good pair of running shoes can help your performance and even reduce your risk of injury. We recommend buying from a reputable brand and comparing buyer reviews before making a decision. Bonus points if they’re chic and match all your running outfits.
Running tops + bottoms
This is where things get extra fun… and where we come in. Athlefit Apparel offers running leggings and tops that will inspire you to move your body every time you put them on. So get your running look together, lace up those shoes, and get ready to enjoy the countless benefits of this amazing sport.