Why You Runnin’?
Now that winter is upon us, we have to go indoors to get our daily activity. But at the same time, many of you may be starting work on resolutions to achieve a higher level of fitness in 2010. The first activity that comes to a lot of our minds is running. I know, you’re visualizing a runner sweating hard, with muscular legs in mini shorts and determination on their face. But here are a couple things to bear in mind before you suit up and brave the cold.
What is your current level of activity?
If you’ve been running less than once a week, I recommend starting on an elliptical machine or stationary bike (or a regular one where weather permits) instead. Neither of these are perfect, but both offer a low-impact way to work the cardiovascular system, release stress, and generally ‘wake up’ the skeletal-muscular and nervous systems.
Do you spend a majority of your time, maybe at work, in a seated position? In less than 60 years, man went from standing upright to sitting in a cubicle - an unnatural position for our bodies. Additional stress - like impact from running - forces us to make postural corrections that could cause pain or injury. And if we experience pain or injury, we’ll spend more time away from activity, pushing us further from our goals.
Does your back hurt right now? If the answer is yes, running could make things worse, because of the stress the impact will bring.
Before you run, ask yourself: What are my goals, both short-term and long-term? If your long-term goal is to lose fat, a lower intensity/higher duration cardio workout should be your focus. More of the calories burned will be from stored fat. But if you had a rough day and just want to relieve stress, then maybe a high-intensity workout such as a run is the best choice.
Slow and steady wins the race as we strive toward our fitness goals, the healthiest way possible.
Enjoy Your Exercise. Enjoy Your Day
