Crescent, MO

Crescent, MO

Get Healthier and Get Back to the Activities You Love

Beginner Running Program in Crescent, MO

Beginner running program in Crescent, MO. The benefits of running are any: it can boost mental health, help you manage your weight, strengthen the heart and lungs, and it’s one of the most convenient ways to get exercise. But, if you want to start a beginner running program in Crescent, MO, you may have doubts about how to get started, and if you’re healthy enough to hold up to increased exertion. Licensed physical therapists like those at Axes are experts in mobility and the musculoskeletal system. Whether you’re looking to return to form after a sports or work-related injury or are just trying to get healthier, our team can help you learn proper form, recover from any pre-existing injuries, and treat any injuries or soreness you experience in your running program.

Read on below to see our beginner running tips, make an appointment online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you to learn more.

Beginner Running Program Crescent, MO | Injury Prevention | Physical Therapy Near Crescent

6 Reasons to Start a Beginner Running Program

Starting a running program does wonders for your body and mind:

  1. Weight management — Most people burns roughly 80 to 140 calories per mile, making running an excellent way to lose weight.
  2. Improved cardiovascular health — Running helps to strengthen the heart and lungs, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
  3. Increased physical strength and endurance — Running helps to strengthen the muscles in the legs, abdomen, and back, and greatly increases lung capacity and endurance.
  4. Improved mood — Running has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and serotonin, the brain’s natural feel-good hormones.
  5. Increased longevity — Some research suggests that running may lead to a longer lifespan. Running for just one hour may add 7 hours to your life.
  6. Convenience — Running is a simple and affordable way to get regular exercise that doesn’t require equipment or a special field or court. It it doesn’t take any specific skills or knowledge to do it, and your program can be easily modified to suit individual needs, abilities, and limitations.

While it probably won’t take long to get the proverbial “runner’s high“, in order to get the full benefits of starting a beginners running program in Crescent, MO, you’ll need to do it consistently, and do it the right way.

6 Beginner Running Tips in Crescent, MO

Getting from the couch to the track may be difficult for some Crescent, MO residents, but in truth it’s as easy as putting on your shoes, going out the door, and pushing yourself forward. A beginner running program isn’t about competition with others; it’s about determination, constant development, and being healthy. The following are the top 6 beginner running tips to make sure you start your program safely, and stay motivated to continue it.

  1. Be realistic and progress slowly — You may be excited to start your running program, and may be challenging yourself to one day run a marathon. But if you haven’t done strenuous physical exercise in a while, or you’re just starting physical activity again after an injury or surgery, doing too much too soon can have negative side-effects, and trying to do something unrealistic may make you want to stop altogether. Start out at a slow pace, and gradually the distance you run as your progress in your program.

    If your body isn’t used to physical activity, may be a good idea to start by walking rapidly for 30 minutes and progress to running later. You can also switch between running and walking in 2-minute intervals.

  2. Get the right footwear — One of the great things about running is you can do it anywhere and it requires relatively little equipment. One piece of equipment you do need are proper shoes. There are many advantages to getting proper running shoes, including arch support, cushioning, and injury and blister prevention.
  3. Warm up and cool down Even professional athletes need to warm up before a game or performance. Stretching and exercises like leg swings and lunges that improve flexibility will help get your body ready for the rigors of running. After the run, it’s important to do static stretches and rest to help reduce the risk of injuries and feels less soreness.
  4. Complement your running program with strength and cross training — Running can lead to overuse injuries, so it’s a good idea to maintain your flexibility and keeping your muscles strong as you continue to run. A physical therapist can help you maintain and improve your current levels of flexibility and strength with a personalized strength training program.
  5. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet — Running and sweating increase the amount of fluid we need. Adequate hydration increases recovery and performance, and minimizes cramping and headaches.

    Running also burns up a lot of energy. A healthy diet is necessary to get that fuel back. Following a proper diet also complements certain running benefits, like weight loss and reduced stress.

  6. Listen to your body — It will tell you if something isn’t right. Although aches and pains are normal as you begin your running program, don’t ignore them. If pains gets worse or doesn’t go away, seek our a specialist, or visit Axes for a free injury screening. You can still run as long as you follow these four guidelines regarding your progression:
    • The pain is NOT sharp (under 3/10)
    • After completing a walk/run session, if you do NOT have increased swelling and or pain for over 2 hours, it is safe to advance to the next session
    • The presence of pain does NOT change how you walk or run
    • Pain does NOT continue to increase over time

In a sense, running never gets easier, as the more you improve the more you have to push yourself. But the more you do it the more you’ll be motivated to continue doing it.

How a Physical Therapist in Crescent, MO Can Be Part of Your Beginner Running Program

Our Crescent, MO physical therapists can help with recovering from injuries and other issues such as easing chronic pain. But a licensed physical therapist can also contribute to a relatively healthy person’s well-being. With exercises and techniques that have been demonstrated to be effective, an Axes physical therapist in Crescent, MO can help your beginner running program with:

  • Treating any pre-existing injuries or conditions — A physical therapist in Crescent, MO can help you understand if you’re currently in good enough shape to run. If you’re not, we can create a personalized, safe, and effective exercise program to get your body up to shape.
  • Create a customized exercise program — We can develop a beginner running program based on your specific fitness level. We can also develop a cross training program. A physical therapist can also help you overcome plateaus, and introduce you to more challenging running exercises such as inclines or fartlek training.
  • Teaching proper running techniques — Proper form is essential to running safely and getting all the possible benefits from your running program. We’ll show you appropriate balance and the best way to move your arms and legs, and we can perform motion video analysis to break down your movement.

    We can also show you the best warm-up and cool-down exercises and stretches to do.

  • Injury prevention Once you start being active, you want to make sure you stay that way. We’ll help you get in the best shape possible through a personalized program that boosts strength, flexibility, endurance, and form while running and when performing other physical activity.
  • Addressing injuries as they occur — If you do sustain an injury, a physical therapist can help you return to running and other things you love doing most quickly and safely. If you’re suffering from significant soreness, a physical therapist can reduce swelling and pain in your legs, buttocks, and back.

Whether want to get healthier, or become active again after an injury or surgery, the Crescent, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to help guide you through your beginner running program with safe exercises and techniques that have been proven to be effective.

Our Crescent, MO physical therapists can also assist you with:

Beginner Running Tips Crescent, MO | Beginner Running Running | Physical Therapists Near Crescent

Call Axes For Help With Your Beginner Running Program in Crescent, MO

Starting a beginner running program in Crescent, MO can offer numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. However, many people aren’t sure how to start, or are unsure how it’s going to go. Professional physical therapists like those at Axes can help by creating a comprehensive exercise program that will ensure you can enjoy the benefits of running safely. If you’re thinking about starting a beginner running program in Crescent, MO, contact us online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
  • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
  • Acute Injury Management
  • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • DorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Lauren Huckstep
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CSCS, Astym Cert.
Annmarie Koenen
Front Office

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.