Jogging Properly

Effective jogging starts with jogging properly. While jogging is not a sport the same way that running is, it's still important practice proper form. Improper form and lack of focus can and often does lead to injury, strains on your ligaments, tendons and muscles.

Beginning Steps

When you begin jogging (after clearance from your doctor or you don't have any prior injuries or health issues preventing you from doing this exercise) start with a short warm up series. You need to get your muscles ready for the burden you're about to place upon them. Simple, light stretching for a few minutes should get you off to a good start. Consider stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps and calves. Also roll your ankles and flex your feet. It's a good idea to stretch your torso and hips as well since these muscles will get a work out too.

Start Jogging

After stretching, you're not going to bolt off into the wind at some break neck speed. No, you start off slowly and get yourself into a comfortable zone where you're not jogging too hard, but your heart is pumping and you're breathing a little heavier.

While you're in this zone think about what you're doing. Yes, you may be jamming to your favorite tune, but also keep your form in mind as you move along.

Your Body Movement

Starting from your head down to your feet you want your head upright and relaxed. Don't strain your neck, but don't look down either. Allow your neck to relax and look out around you. This is a good idea not only to not strain your neck but to remain alert to your surroundings.

Your shoulders should be relaxed as you're breathing. They shouldn't be hunched or up close to your ears; they need to be down and back. Good posture is important while jogging properly.

Your arms should pump or swing freely. It is best and you'll use less energy if your pump/swing your arms forward trying to keep your elbows close to your sides. Don't swing across your body that actually uses up more energy and is not efficient. This is why your form is important to keep in mind while you jog because you may find that you wear out quicker when not implementing the proper technique.

Your legs are clearly the powerhouses of jogging. They are what moves you from start to finish of your jogs. The more jogging you do the more strength your legs will have. So it's important that your knees do not come up high. You're not a horse so prancing is out. The knees come up to a level that's comfortable for you, but no higher.

Finally, your foot strike is quite critical to jogging properly. You may be out jogging one day and someone passes you by and you can hear their feet slapping against the ground. Not good. The slapping noise is damaging to that person's muscles and joints. Lack of focus can be one reason that someone is allowing their feet to slap against the ground.

When you think of jogging and particularly the placement of your foot on the ground, think of running on a spongy surface. As your foot strikes the ground mid-sole and rolls onto your toes, your step should be light and springy. Very little sound should be heard and definitely not the thundering slapping you may often hear others do.

Conclusion

Jogging is a fairly easy exercise to perform. You can do it properly but think about how your jogging when you're starting out since your form is key to preventing injuries.

Jogging Properly to Jogging101