Jogging is an easy exercise that you can do just about anywhere. The health benefits are great and you can do it any time, based on your convenience.
Benefits of Jogging – The Physical and Mental Benefits
Jogging has several health benefits, both physical and mental. One of the greatest physical benefits of jogging is a stronger and more efficient cardiovascular system. As the heart and lungs become stronger, oxygen delivery to the muscles becomes faster and muscles are able to absorb more of the oxygen. Lung capacity increases and you can take in more oxygen with each breath. The increased metabolic activity helps you lose weight and keep it off as well. Jogging exercises every part of your body. Hence, it has a positive impact on joints and strengthens ligaments. Jogging also improves bone density as minerals like calcium and magnesium are distributed more evenly in the body. Psychological well-being and an improved mood are some of the other benefits of jogging. It boosts endorphin levels, making you feel happier and alleviates stress and clears your mind. Jogging also improves the quality of your sleep and has been found to be an effective remedy for insomnia.
Jogging for Beginners – Tips to Keep in Mind
Jogging is a relatively easy activity to start. However, there are a few tips for jogging for beginners. It’s important to have proper shoes for jogging. Getting a comfortable and well-fitting pair of shoes will help avoid injury. Your attire should be loose and comfortable to let your body breathe. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Slow and steady should be your motto as your body slowly builds up endurance and stamina. Chalk out a jogging plan beforehand if it helps. Warming up first is an important part of any physical activity. Skipping, jumping in place, stretching and sit ups are all great warm up exercises. Jogging for beginners should not exceed more than one kilometer when you start.
Jogging Route – Plan a Great Route
Plan your jogging route based on your time and jogging capacity. Parks and sidewalks are a great place to start. For a more intensive workout, you can bring steep inclines and downhill tracks into your jogging route. Make sure that the routes you choose are safe and do not have heavy traffic. You can also plan a route to include friends and other fellow joggers. If you need any help or ideas, there are several online tools to help you plan your route.