Fenton, MO

Fenton, MO

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Beginner Running Program in Fenton, MO

Beginner running program in Fenton, MO. The benefits of running are clear: it can boost mental health, burn fat, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, and just about anybody can do it, just about anywhere. But, if you want to start a beginner running program in Fenton, MO, you may not know how to proceed, and if you’re healthy enough to hold up to more physical activity than you’re accustomed to. Licensed physical therapists like the ones we have here at Axes know how to help people move their bodies safely and effectively. Whether you’re looking to get back into shape after a sports or work-related injury or just need to be more active in your day-to-day life, our team can show you how to run safely, recover from any pre-existing injuries, and treat any running-related injuries you may sustain.

Keep reading this article to see our our advise to beginner runners, schedule an appointment through our website, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you to speak to a physical therapist today.

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

6 Reasons to Start a Beginner Running Program

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

  1. Weight management — The average person burns about 80 to 140 calories for every mile run, 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 muscle strength and endurance — Running helps to strengthen the muscles in the legs, abdomen, and back, helping to improve overall fitness and endurance.
  4. Improved mood — Running is known to improve your mental health by releasing endorphins and serotonin, the brain’s natural feel-good hormones.
  5. Longer lifespan — Some studies indicate that running may lead to a longer lifespan. People who run live an average of three years longer than those who don’t.
  6. Accessibility — Running is an easy and affordable way to get regular exercise that doesn’t require equipment or a special field or court. It can be done by people of most ages and fitness levels, and your program can be easily modified to suit individual needs, abilities, and limitations.

While you may feel the proverbial “runner’s high” right away, in order to get the full rewards of starting a beginners running program in Fenton, MO, it will take dedication.

6 Beginner Running Tips in Fenton, MO

Getting from the couch to the track may seem daunting to some Fenton, MO residents, but in truth it’s as easy as putting on your shoes, going outside or to the gym, and pushing yourself forward. A beginner running program isn’t about “winning;” it’s about determination, progressive improvement, and taking care of your body. The following are the top 6 beginner running tips to make sure you start your program safely, and stay motivated to continue it.

  1. Set realistic goals 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’re body isn’t used to it, or you’re just getting back to activity after an injury or surgery, doing too much too soon could lead to injury, and trying to do something unrealistic may make you want to stop altogether. Start out by running slowly, and slowly build up how long you run for in the coming weeks.

    If your body isn’t used to physical activity, may be a good idea to start by walking rapidly for half an hour 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 wonderful things about running is you can do it anywhere and it requires relatively little equipment. One piece of equipment you do need are running shoes. There are many benefits to buying proper running shoes, including more comfort, better performance, and injury prevention.
  3. Warm up and cool down Even the best athletes need to warm up to be at their best and prevent injuries. Dynamic exercises like leg swings and lunges that boost range of motion 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 prevent injuries and feels less soreness.
  4. Complement your running program with strength and cross training — Running can lend itself to overuse injuries, so it’s a good idea to maintain your flexibility and keeping your muscles strong as you progress further into your program. A physical therapist can help you maintain and improve your current levels of flexibility and strength with a personalized strength training program.
  5. Make sure you’re well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet — Running and sweating increase the amount of liquids we need. Adequate hydration increases recovery and performance, and minimizes cramping and headaches.

    Running also requires a lot of fuel. A healthy diet is necessary to get that fuel back. Having good nutrition also complements certain running benefits, such as 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 guidance from a medical professional, or visit Axes for a free injury screening. It is safe to continue running as long as you follow these four rules 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 alter your normal pattern of gait (no limping or galloping – you are not a horse)
    • Pain does NOT get worse over time

In a sense, running never gets easier, as you’ll keep having to push yourself to your limits to see the benefits. But the more you do it the more you’ll be motivated to continue doing it.

How a Physical Therapist in Fenton, MO Can Help Your Beginner Running Program

Our Fenton, MO physical therapists are experts at treating injuries, or other issues like managing chronic pain. But a licensed physical therapist can also contribute to a relatively healthy person’s well-being. With exercises and techniques that are backed by evidence, an Axes physical therapist in Fenton, MO can help your beginner running program with:

  • Treating any pre-existing injuries or conditions — A physical therapist in Fenton, MO can help you understand if you’re currently in good enough shape to run. If you’re not, we can create a customized, safe, and effective exercise program to get your body up to shape.
  • Design a personalized 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 push you to challenge yourself, and introduce you to more rigorous running exercises such as inclines or fartlek training.
  • Teaching proper running techniques — Running in the right way is essential to running safely and getting all the possible benefits from your running program. We’ll teach you correct running form, and we also use motion video analysis to clearly see any flaws in your form.

    We can also teach you warm-up exercises for before your run, and the best static stretches to do after.

  • Injury prevention Once you start being active, you don’t want to go back. We’ll help you get in the best shape possible through a customized program that boosts strength, range of motion, endurance, and coordination while running or performing other exercises.
  • Addressing injuries as they occur — If you do become injured, a physical therapist can help you return to running and other things you love doing most quickly and safely. If you’re experiencing significant soreness, a physical therapist can reduce swelling and pain in your soft tissue.

Whether want to get healthier, or get back to the top of your game after an injury or surgery, the Fenton, 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 Fenton, MO physical therapists can also assist you with:

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

Call Axes to Start Your Beginner Running Program in Fenton, MO

Starting a beginner running program in Fenton, MO can offer numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. However, many people don’t know where to begin, or are unsure if their body can hold up to it. Professional physical therapists like those at Axes can help by developing a holistic exercise plan that will ensure you can enjoy the benefits of running safely. If you want to start a beginner running program in Fenton, MO, contact us online, or reach out to the Axes location closest to you.

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