Running is a terrific exercise; however, most beginners quit almost immediately because it seems overwhelming.
It is an excellent way to get and stay fit, but it can be hard to keep up with, just like any sport or physical activity.
For many beginners, posture is the last thought on their mind, yet it is the most crucial. Over time if you don’t mind your running form and technique, you might end up with serious injuries.
A proper running technique, like breathing and footstrike, works together to create an optimal running form. Developing a good posture will involve you training your body to function a certain way.
This blog will look at the proper running techniques and how you can improve your running long term.
1. Start small
The biggest mistake you can ever make a beginner is to overestimate your running ability. Your body needs time to adjust to the new routine.
Start with running short distances and taking short strides. The shorter, faster steps decrease your risk of injury and consume less of your energy. As you pick up the pace, you can increase your strides.
2. Walk in the Run
Include regular 30-to-60 second walk breaks in your exercise. Try adding these walk intervals the first few times and then gradually increase the running intervals.
Incorporating walk intervals in your running exercise will improve race time and endurance.
3. Breathe Properly
Breathe is a vital factor in your running technique, and it doing it right can help you get the most out of your exercise. Once you find your comfortable pace, keep in mind that you are not in a race.
It is much easier to breathe correctly when you have a good running form. You can adopt the “belly breathing” technique, which involves taking deep breathes and using the diaphragm to draw air into your lungs.
Avoid taking short breaths because you rely too much on your chest muscles and take in less oxygen.
4. Run Tall
I can’t stress enough how good posture is essential. A good posture ensures that you create balance in your muscles, ultimately lowering the risk of injuries.
Avoid slouching or hunching over while running. Relax your shoulders and head.
5. Preserve Energy
The best way to conserve energy is to stay low on the ground instead of bounding up and down from foot to foot.
Bend your elbows and let your arms swing freely at waist height. You don’t need to pump them vigorously.
Preserve your energy by keeping your shoulders and hands relaxed.
6. Get the Correct Gear.
Wearing the right apparel can go a long way in ensuring that your running exercise is effective. Have a balance of the right-wear during the hot and cold days.
If you are a bit shy, sunglasses can make a difference. Get fitted for the correct size bras, buy suitable fabrics and Make sure you are fitted into the proper shoes. Make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose.
7. Keep Hydrated
Keeping hydrated during your exercise shouldn’t be taken lightly. Make sure you hydrate before, during, and after your run.
Keeping hydrated provides your body with the water it needs to stay cool throughout your run. Ensure to keep a bottle of water with you to take small sips during breaks.
8. You are not everybody else.
Do not compare yourself to other runners. Many beginners get demotivated when they see other runners are seemingly faster and more stable than they are.
What you should remember is that running and gaining momentum takes time and practice to master. Go easy on yourself.
Some people are faster than you, but there are those slower and those who don’t run at all.
Make sure your reason for comparison motivates you, not demotivating you.
