Exercising and getting fit is a popular trend we can get behind. For those that have decided to get started on this path or perhaps are resuming after a long break, building the habit can be a difficult task. For this reason, and because of the low difficulty and convenience, most people will choose running as their first exercise to begin with. Running not only helps to reshape our body, but it promotes good health and serves to relieve stress. In this way, it offers to help balance our physical and mental health. Running may seem as simple as breathing or walking, but there’s some technique that makes the overall experience better.
Phase One – Before Exercise: Develop the mindset that you’re prepared and ready to tackle this challenge. This positive state of mind might seem cheesy, but your state of mind will help push you through your run and can improvement your enjoyment. Appropriate clothing for exercising will also assist in improving your image of yourself and increase your comfort level.
When we start running, there are some points to note.
- Running Clothes: Select a lightweight, breathable, irritant-free, material that dries easily.
- Suitable Shoes: Ensure that you select the right size for your feet with no extra space to slide about. Extra cushion in the sole will help reduce the impact with each step and lower the strain on your body. The shoe should provide adequate support for your arch and ankle.
When your accessories are ready, the most important part is “warm-up”! Efficient warm-up before exercising helps loosen things up to reduce the risk of injury and, in a way, lets our body know that we are ready to exercise.
Phase Two – During Exercise: Equip Your Towel and Bottle and Go!
Many people supplement their water intake after exercising, but by then our body is already dehydrated. The common recommendation for water intake is consuming 100-200 ml of water every 10-15 minutes; doing so can reduce our body temperature to avoid the possible risk of heat exhaustion. In addition, bringing a little towel or sweat band can help you to remove sweat immediately to keep you focused on your goal and not worrying about the sting of sweat rolling in your eyes.
Phase Three – After Exercise: The Importance of Stretching and Cooling Down
Other than a feeling of accomplishment at the end of a workout, sweat and heat build-up may make you want to get home and shower immediately. Giving into that urge and skipping the cool down phase reduces your post-exercise recovery. In extreme cases, showering in cold water immediately after rigorous exercise may make blood vessels contract rapidly and can possibly lead to a stroke. Let’s avoid that small possibility by simply cooling down and stretching after exercise. It can relax our muscles, speed up the removal of by-product build-up during exercise, and can also reduce later soreness. Just save 10-15 minutes post-exercise to get a good stretch in and cool down.
As exercise leggings become more popular, it’s important to match them with the right gear. Bracoo Compression Leg Sleeves can help calf muscles maintain the right temperature while also reducing the warm up period. They’re constructed of special sweat wicking materials that can absorb sweat and remove extra heat while running, making for a better running experience. Their adjusted compression design speeds the transport of exercise by-products away from the focused area while helping to reduce soreness. As with any task, the right gear and the right attitude helps improve the chances of success. Next time you prepare to run, remember our advice and push towards your goals.