Running and Fitness: Your Path to a Healthier You
Running
Running is a popular form of physical activity. About one in five people try running (or jogging) at some stage in their life. Running is an appealing exercise because it doesn’t cost a lot to take part, and you can run at any time that suits you.
Some runners choose to participate in fun runs, athletics races, or marathons. If you are interested in competing with other runners, contact your local running club.
The difference between running and jogging is intensity. Running is faster and demands more effort from the heart, lungs, and muscles than jogging. Running requires a higher level of overall fitness than jogging.
Tips for Beginners:
- See your doctor for a check-up before you start a running program. This is especially important if you are over 40 years old, are overweight, have a chronic illness, or haven’t exercised in a long time.
- Wear loose cotton clothing. Dress your upper body in layers of clothing so that you can take off layers as required.
- Start with brisk walking. Aim for 30 minutes per session. Allow a minimum of six weeks to build up to regular running. Aim to increase your jogging time each session, and alternate between walking and jogging.
Being Fit
Do you want to learn how to be healthy and fit? Most people say that they do. However, those same people fail to take personal responsibility for being healthy and fit. Being healthy is more than just being free from illness. Health is both physical and spiritual. It involves a mind and body connection; both the body and the mind perform properly in a healthy person. Most of us are neither healthy nor fit. Actually, we are much sicker than we believe.
Being healthy and physically fit should be a priority. The benefits of being healthy are endless. Our quality of life depends on the quality of our health. People who suffer from diseases are unable to completely enjoy their lives. Working, taking vacations, and functioning in daily life is stressful, overwhelming, and often impossible for unhealthy people who must modify their lives around their diseases and treatments.
Deep down, we all know what steps to take to move us closer to being healthy and fit. We know that a healthy diet is essential. We have to make healthy food choices, and most of us are aware that organic and natural foods are generally healthy. Chemicals, pesticides, and growth hormones wreak all kinds of havoc in our bodies. They may cause minor problems such as upset stomachs and headaches, or serious illnesses such as cancer or Parkinson’s disease.
Getting a sufficient amount of exercise is equally important for maintaining a healthy and physically fit body. Why is it so difficult for us to exercise? Is it because we do not have enough time in our busy lives? Perhaps we lack energy, motivation, or self-discipline. It is easier to exercise if we incorporate it into our daily routines. For example, we could take a daily walk during our lunch break. We could always take the stairs instead of using elevators. How about finding a way to enjoy household chores and using this as a means to keep our bodies physically fit? Put on some music and dance while mopping the floor. Make getting fit and being healthy an enjoyable process.
Getting enough rest is also necessary in order to be healthy and fit. When our bodies do not get an adequate amount of rest, our immune systems become weak; this is how we get sick. We need strong immune systems to stay healthy. Therefore, always take time to rest, even if this means taking a day off from work. It is much easier to maintain a healthy body than it is to repair a sick one. Value and protect your health; make being healthy and physically fit a priority.