If you enjoyed jogging through your younger years, but are afraid that you can no longer continue to enjoy this form of exercise as you get older, you are mistaken. If you are careful and take precautions to protect your joints and muscles, you can be assured that you can easily continue to run well into your sixties.
The human body usually reaches its apex of physical fitness in the third decade of life. After our thirtieth birthday, most of us start going downhill at the rate of about one to three percent a year.
What we often forget or ignore, however, is that most of this decline is due to decreased physical activity, rather than the effects of aging alone. What we need to do is not stress about aging, which is inevitable, but do something actively.
It you do not, you may find that you will be really run down by the time you hit your fiftieth birthday. When jogging is referenced, this means a moderately slow run of not more than six miles per hour.
It is a simple free exercise that tones up your body, revs up the heart and lungs, and strengthens the bones and muscles. It also reduces stress, clears the mind, improves memory, increases confidence, reduces body weight, and increases joint mobility-why would you want to give that up just because you are getting older?
The benefits clearly outweigh any associated risks and any initial discomfort first timers might experience in the first few days of their jog. When it comes to eating healthfully, we know that we should all be eating three meals each day with all three major food groups (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) as well as enough fruits and vegetables.
When you are on a normal diet, you do not need any extra vitamin, mineral, or hormone supplements. Instead, drink plenty of water-as much as you can.
It is also a good idea to go to the bathroom before starting to run as public toilets are few and far between sometimes! Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing.
That means nothing too tight, and be liberal with cotton as it best absorbs perspiration. Make sure that you have a comfortable pair of jogging shoes on, with adequate toe space, and a thick comfortable sole.
Comfortable shoes, as opposed to fashionable ones, are always worth an investment. Make sure that they have plenty of arch support.
Carry a handkerchief and some tissue paper. You may need an identity card and some cash, in case of emergency.
If you can, bring a cell phone with you, also for emergencies. You never know if you might roll and ankle and not be able to get home. You may want to bring some pepper spray along for any dogs who may want to harm you.
It is also a good idea, especially in the winter, to start the run with a five to ten minute warm up, and some light stretching to loosen your legs. This will help to prevent shin splints as well.
Begin to run gradually, and remember it takes about ten to fifteen minutes for your body to adjust to the run. Listen to your body signals and pace yourself accordingly.
It is easier to do your running in the morning or evening, when it is cooler. Try to break the monotony by changing routes and choosing plain, uphill, and downhill tracks.
Face the traffic to know about oncoming vehicles. Towards the end of your run, slow down for about five minutes towards the end of the run.
You should have totally recovered ten minutes after the run; otherwise you are again straining yourself by running too fast. Remember you are your own and only competition.
If you are not ready to get out in the road yet, you can start slowly on your treadmill at home. Once you build up better strength, you can hit the open road.
Do not let anyone else tell you what you cannot do as you age-you are in charge of the wellness of your own body. Now get out there and go!
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor has worked in the exercise and health industry for 31 years. When searching for a good deal on exercise equipment he suggests getting someone knowledgeable about treadmill comparisons, and tell you their qualities.
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