Lifestyle

Avoid These Running Mistakes And Exercise More Effectively

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If you want to run without jeopardizing your body’s integrity while also optimizing your performance, you can’t expect to get the best results by just throwing yourself into this activity, no matter your level of enthusiasm.

Even experienced runners make mistakes, so here are a few of the most common complications and advice on how to avoid them.

Wearing the wrong shoes

The difference between wearing a good pair of running shoes and a substandard set of sneakers to hit the tarmac can be significant. This is all the more important if you have a specific medical condition or physical issue that needs to be taken into account.

There are even shoes designed with orthotics in mind, as this post from The Wired Runner highlights, allowing you to augment them as necessary. If you have a chronic issue, consulting a medical professional before choosing running shoes is worthwhile. Alternatively if you are just concerned about everyday comfort and longevity, opting for a reputable brand with a good ethical background will set you on the right track.

Ignoring your body

Newcomers to running, or those who are getting back into it after a prolonged break, can often make the mistake of going too hard during their first attempts, pushing through pain and ignoring the signals that their body is sending them.

It is not just about tackling untenable distances in single sessions, but also about committing to too many days of exercise in a row without a break. There are scientifically proven benefits to factoring in rest days as part of your exercise regime, and you can actually get fitter more efficiently if you plan your runs according to your abilities, while also listening to your body and heeding the signs that something is not quite right.

Failing to hydrate

Drinking water is not just a good way to stave off feelings of thirst and a dry throat; it can actively improve performance and stave of negative effects of dehydration, such as exhaustion.

You lose a lot of water from your body as sweat when you run, meaning this needs to be replenished regularly. Indeed losing even a small percentage of the water in your body can lead to serious issues, so having access to hydrating liquids is a must.

This is especially relevant if your route will take you outside of heavily populated areas. If you have not brought enough water along with you and there are no stores to supply more, the short term downsides will be notable.

Botched breathing techniques

The temptation to breathe in through your nose and then exhale through your mouth might be great, but do not be afraid to gulp down air through both of these passageways when you are out on a run. Also remember that breathing from your diaphragm will allow as much air, and thus oxygen, as possible to get into your lungs and on into your bloodstream where it can fuel your muscles.

Breathing out is also an art to master; make sure to squeeze as much air from your body as possible since this will cart off the waste CO2 that you produce. With all that in mind, a better life as a runner awaits!

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