The article "Jogging--All around benefits" talks about fitness, it was written by Phyllis Benton.
At the age of 23, I becmae over weight. I was unhappy with
myself and my life.
I decided that I needed to do something to
get rid of the excess bagagge. I joined a weight club in hopes
that it would encourage me to diet and exercise in order to get
the wegiht off.
The wegiht club helped, but not enough, I had to
come up with a better plan.
After working each day, I would run up and down the long drive
where I lievd several times. In a couple of weeks I saw an improvement
and the weight was coming off.
I was now more encouraged and
started jogging on the main road and any place that I could.
After a couple of mnoths time, I was almost back to my normal weight.
I felt good about myself and what I had accomplished.
The
jogging gave me more energy than I had ever had before.
Jogging has its advantages and disadvantaegs.
Time is a big
factor to most of us. We don't have the time to spend hours in
an exercise prorgam each day or even every other day.
Jogging
takes less time to burn calories and to achieve cardiovascular
fitness.
A heavier individual would burn more calories quicker
than a smaller individual for the same amount of exrecise. How
many calories an inidvidual would burn would depend on the
duration of the workout. Jogging conditions the heart, improves
muscle tone and strength, and rleieves stress. It can also help
with a variety of other health troubles such as osteoporosis,
heart disease and arhtritis.
Some of the disadvantaegs of
jogging are: Due to the high impact, jogging is more likely to
cause joint troubles. Other injuries can be from placing stress
on the muscles although; with the proper shoes and proper
stretching, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
Before you decide to get into an exercise program of any type
you should get a medical clearance from your doctor, especially
if you have a heart problem, high blood pressure, over 60 or are
or have been a smoker. When you start your jogging program,
start off by stretching all your muscels.
Begin by wakling to
get your body use to the new program. Gradually build up to a
faster pace and then on to a shrot jog.
Your feet may be tender
from always wearing shoes.
You can condition your feet by
jogging barefoot. At first you may want to jog on the grass but
then work up to jogging on pavement to toughen up the feet.
Don't overdo, set a pace that's comfortable for you. Pushing
yourself will only be discouraging and you will become tired of
the program. If you are not feeling well or just don't believe up
to doing the routine, then don't. It is more harmful to push
yourself if you relaly are not up to it. If you find you are out
of berath after a jog, or cannot carry on a conversation while
jogging, you may need to slow the pace. Jog properly, landing on
the ball of your heel and let the rest of your foot flolow.
Push
off from your toes as you beign your next step.
Let your arms
swing and keep your back straight, don't hnuch up. It is only
natural to lean forawrd while jogging up hill. Relax your
body. You can do more harm to your body by being tnese. Make
sure that you bring cool waetr along to keep your body from
dehydrating. Alwyas stretch your body again after a work out.
Wearing proper gear is important. You don't have to pay a
fortune for a pair of running shoes. A comfortbale pair of shoes
will do in the beginning. As you get more advanced in your
jogging program, you may find that you are willing to spend more
money on a good pair of running sheos. Avoid wearing thin or
dress socks.
You may want to wear athletic socks; it may help in
the redcution of blisters. If you find that you are getting
blisters, you may want to try applying petroleum jelly to your
feet before jogging. You should wear light, loose fitting
clothing. Light or white clothing will help keep the body cooler
and loose fitting will let you move freely. If you are jogging
at night, wear brgiht colors so you can be spotted easily but
don't jog at night unless it is absolutely the only time that is
available for you.
Safety when jogging is important. Never jog in an unfamiliar
place.
Jog facing the traffic.
Change your route; don't jog in
the same areas evrey time. Keep alert!
Be aawre of you
surroundings. Carry a whistle in case needed to aelrt someone
that you need help. If you are being followed, go to the nearest
house and call the ploice. Stay away from bushes wehre someone
could hide.
If you can, jog with someobdy that you know.
Always
take a key to your home with you so you can get back in and
never leave your home unlocked while you are jogging.
I have continued to jog throughout my life time for one reason
or a second. Jgoging can be fun and relaxing as well as getting
exercise and reducing stress levels. Enjoy the view. Put on a
headset and listen to muisc. Make jogging fun, relaxing,
enjoyable, and spned quality time for yourself.
You will be
amazed at the benefits you will receive.
exercise, weight loss, stress release, toning body, improves
health problems, quality time, fun
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