Jogging Basics

Understanding the jogging basics is a good way to improve your performance, minimize injuries and it'll go a long way toward allowing you to enjoy this activity.

Lets begin with gear. While jogging is a relatively inexpensive exercise to begin, it is a good idea to wear comfortable, light colored, reflective clothing so that you don't add to your body's temperature. Once you start jogging you'll get warm pretty quickly so wearing comfortable, non-binding clothing that reflects the sun and is moisture wicking (doesn't hold the sweat) will allow you to feel comfortable longer. The more comfortable you're feeling the longer you'll be able to jog.

Good running shoes are critical. If you don't make any other investment, let this be the one you spend your money on. Good running shoes are the crux of an effective jogging program because poor foot support will only lead to shin splints, blisters, runner's knee and a host of other problems. Take the time to get the right running shoes for your foot strike.

Support. While moral support is terrific when you begin jogging, we're talking here about jogging bras and compression shirts for the gentlemen. It's very important to find properly fitted jogging bras or compression shirts that will allow you to perform this activity with a minimum of discomfort. If you don't support the girls properly you'll experience pain that will likely cause you to cut short your exercise. This is also true for the gentlemen. Good support is necessary so that you feel comfortable and can focus you energy on traveling the distance you set out to achieve for the day and not worry about unrestrained upper body movement.

Foot strike. Your foot strike is important to understand because if you're slapping your feet against the pavement or dirt you're causing unnecessary strain and stress on your knees and hips. All that pounding reverberates up your legs and will leave you feeling pretty tired and possibly lead to injuries. Soft, springy steps are best. Your foot strike will begin with your heel hitting the ground first as you roll forward onto the balls of your feet. As you become more tired, you're feet will tend to slap the ground more. It's best to recognize this and take a break.

Consider the above jogging basics when you start thinking about starting jogging. Awareness of the elements above will allow you to feel comfortable thereby extending your jogs so that you can challenge yourself to jog further distances.

Jogging Basics Back to Jogging101