Do you wish to lose some weight, strengthen your immune system, and reduce stress? Jogging might be a game-changer for you. It has numerous health benefits but isn’t as challenging as many other physical activities.
If you are running at a pace less than 6 miles per hour, it’s considered to be a jog. It’s a moderate aerobic exercise that can significantly improve your health (especially your cardiorespiratory system), boost your mood, and re-energize you. Studies have shown that jogging can even help you cope with anxiety and depression since it reduces levels of cortisol.
Still, many people don’t really enjoy it despite all the health benefits. They often find it boring and lose interest in it quickly. If you are one of those people, don’t worry. We have got your back. Here are several useful hacks that will help you enjoy jogging more and experience all the amazing advantages this activity has to offer.
Choose The Right Clothes
If you are a beginner you may be wondering, “What should I wear when jogging?” Don’t worry, you don’t actually need any fancy, expensive items. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your clothes. Most people go with leggings, yoga pants, joggers, sweatpants, or just shorts. Many of these items are made from polyester, wool, or nylon to keep you dry and warm during cold weather and wick the sweat away during summer. The materials should be breathable and designed to move with your body.
If you are a lady, make sure you invest in a quality, supportive sports bra. It is designed specifically for running, jogging, and various other high-impact activities. It should fit you properly, so try testing it by jumping up and down. If you have a large chest you may have trouble finding a good bra. The good news is that many stores offer sports bras specifically for large chests, so check them out.
As a jogger, you might want to avoid wearing 100% cotton socks because they don’t wick away moisture. Experts recommend wearing running socks made from acrylic or polyester to prevent blisters. During the winter, consider socks made of smart wool.
Invest In High-Quality Running Shoes
It’s very important to jog in shoes that are quality and gentle on your feet. Many people don’t realize it and may experience massive amounts of pain in their feet after jogging. With a good pair of shoes, you will avoid any pain or blisters and your spine, knees, and ankles won’t suffer. You will also prevent injuries and improve your athletic performance.
Listen To Your Favorite Music
Research has shown that more than 80% of runners listen to music during exercise. This has been happening since the Walkman was invented and nowadays, with wireless headphones, listening to music during your jog is more convenient than ever.
If you need some extra motivation – your favorite playlist might be exactly what you need. A sports psychologist Costas Karageorghis, Ph.D. claims that music can help you get into an optimal mindset for jogging. Music can elevate your mood and make you feel more positive, excited, and happy. It also helps you keep a constant pace and regulate your breath.
Start Jogging In Nature
Treadmills are great and there is nothing wrong with preferring this type of exercise. However, there are numerous benefits of jogging in nature. It improves your overall well-being, burns more calories, and works more muscles than treadmills.
Also, don’t forget that sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. Spending time outdoors is amazing for many reasons but people often forget about the importance of the sun. Almost 40% of people in the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency which can lead to many health problems (e.g. weak immune system, depression, fatigue, poor bone density, etc.)
Parks, trees, rivers, sea, or architecture are certainly more interesting to view than your gym. Not to mention the fact that greenery can have a major impact on your long-term health. Dozens of studies show that jogging in nature reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. It also increases your sleep duration and reduces stress levels. Exposure to green spaces is often associated with reduced heart rate and blood pressure as well.
Jogging is a very popular form of physical exercise which doesn’t come as a surprise. Every fourth person in the world tries it at some stage in their life. It’s appealing because it doesn’t cost anything, you can do it whenever you have the time, and it allows you to spend more time outdoors. If you haven’t already – give jogging a chance.
