Where we are running, jogging or walking, we are taking the “steps” necessary to improve our health.
One of the easiest ways to help with fitness goals is to incorporate cardio into our program. That can be as easy as walking around the block, or to the local grocery store. Take things up a notch but jogging around the block a couple of times in order to increase metabolism and burn more calories.
Before heading starting a walking routine, it’s important to have the right shoes. Local department or sporting good stores stock many different kinds of athletic shoes that will fit the bill.
Ones shoes are bought, it’s important to set goals. Maybe the first goals is an easily attainable one like walking around the block three times a week (recommended by experts). Once that becomes easy, try jogging at a slow but steady pace around the block once and more times as physical ability increases.
It’s also important to do some stretching before jogging. But cold stretching with no warm up can damage muscles so what do we do? I personally like to walk around the block once, then find a curb and do calfs raises and then then knee stretches. After I have done 15 calf raises, and stretched my legs and knees, I walk at a brisk pace and work my way into a jog. This length of the jogging/running course will depend on each person’s ability. Don’t push things too fast! Also, check with a doctor before starting any strenuous exercise programs.
A few extra tips: bring headphones and tune in to your favorite music while exercising. Bring a bottle of water to say hydrated and pay attention to your body. If it hurts, stop and assess why. Normal aches and pains are one thing, acute, shooting pain can be a sign of something more serious. If you experience acute pain, stop what you are doing and rest and re-evaluate. See a physician if needed.
Richard Tew is a registered Irish dance teacher with the Irish Dance Teacher’s Congress and offers Irish dance classes for kids and adults in Dickinson, League City and Clear Lake. He can be reached at rttew@yahoo.com.
