Beginner Running Program in Lakeshire, MO
Beginner running program in Lakeshire, MO. The benefits of running are clear: it can boost mental health, burn fat, improve your cardiovascular health, and almost anybody can do it, just about anywhere. But, if you’re just starting a beginner running program in Lakeshire, MO, you may not know how to get started, and how your body’s going handle more physical activity than you’re accustomed to. Experienced physical therapists like the ones we have here at Axes are experts in movement health and the musculoskeletal system. Whether you’re looking to get back to peak performance after a sports or work-related injury or are just trying to be more active in your day-to-day life, 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.
Keep reading this article to see our our advise to beginner runners, contact us online, or call the Axes location nearest you to speak to a physical therapist today.
6 Reasons to Start a Beginner Running Program
Starting a running program does wonders for your body and mind:
- Weight management — The average person burns roughly 80 to 140 calories for every mile run, making running an excellent way to lose weight.
- Improved cardiovascular health — Running helps to strengthen the heart and lungs, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Increased muscle strength and endurance — Running works the muscles in the legs, core, and back, and greatly increases lung capacity and endurance.
- Improved mood — Running has been shown to improve your mental health by producing endorphins and serotonin, the brain’s natural feel-good hormones.
- Increased longevity — Regular running has been linked to a longer lifespan. People who run live an average of three years longer than those who don’t.
- Convenience — Running is a simple and inexpensive way to get consistent exercise and you can do it almost anywhere with just socks, shoes, shorts, and a shirt. It it doesn’t take any specific skills or knowledge to do it, and your regimen can be easily modified to suit individual needs, abilities, and limitations.
While you may feel that “runner’s high” right away, in order to get the full benefits of starting a beginners running program in Lakeshire, MO, it will take dedication.
6 Beginner Running Tips in Lakeshire, MO
Getting from the couch to the track may be difficult for some Lakeshire, 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 tenacity, constant improvement, 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.
- Set realistic goals and progress gradually — You’re probably excited to start your running program, and may be challenging yourself to one day run that 4-minute mile. But if you’re body isn’t used to it, 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 unmotivated. Start out by running slowly, and gradually the distance you run in the coming weeks.
If you feel like you’re very out of shape, may be a good idea to start by walking briskly for half an hour and progress to running later. Another option is to switch between running and walking in 2-minute intervals.
- Wear the right shoes — 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 pros to getting good running shoes, including increased comfort, better performance, and injury prevention.
- Warm up and cool down — Even professional athletes need to warm up to be at their best and prevent injuries. Stretching and exercises like high knees that boost flexibility will help prepare your body for the stress of running. Static stretches after a run, as well as rest, help reduce the risk of injuries and experience less soreness.
- Combine running with strength and cross training — Running can lend itself to overuse injuries, so make sure you are maintaining 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.
- Make sure you’re well-hydrated and follow proper nutrition — Running and sweating increase the amount of water we need. Adequate hydration improves recovery and performance, and minimizes cramping and headaches.
Running also requires a lot of fuel. A healthy diet is necessary to get that energy back. Having good nutrition will also enhance certain running benefits, such as weight management and reduced stress.
- If you’re not feeling great, slow down or take a day off — Listen to your body when starting your beginner running program. While it’s important to make running a habit, you can injure yourself if you over-exert yourself. A little soreness should be expected. But, if you’re having significant pain, you should hold off on running until you heal. If the pain doesn’t subside or progressively worsens, seek out an appointment with your physician, or call Axes Physical Therapy for a free injury screening.
In some ways running will always be hard, 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 Lakeshire, MO Can Help Your Beginner Running Program
Our Lakeshire, MO physical therapists are experts at treating injuries, or other problems such as offering relief for chronic pain. But a licensed physical therapist can also be part of a wellness regimen aimed at improving your overall health. With exercises and techniques proven to work through study and research, an Axes physical therapist in Lakeshire, MO can help your beginner running program with:
- Treating any pre-existing injuries or conditions — A physical therapist in Lakeshire, MO can help determine what your current health level is, and develop a beginner running program based on that.
- Create a personalized exercise program — We can help you come up with 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 progress to more demanding running programs such as inclines or fartlek training.
- Teaching proper running techniques — Running in the right way is essential to running safely and getting the most out of 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 teach you the best warm-up and cool-down exercises and stretches to do.
- Injury prevention — The best injury is the one that never happens. We’ll help you optimize your wellness through a customized program that boosts strength, flexibility, endurance, and technique while running or performing other exercises.
- Addressing injuries as they occur — If you do suffer an injury, a physical therapist can help you get back to running and other things you love doing most quickly and safely. If you’re experiencing significant soreness, a physical therapist can reduce inflammation and pain in your soft tissue.
Whether want to get healthier, or become active again after an injury or surgery, the Lakeshire, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to help you develop and maintain your beginner running program.
Our Lakeshire, MO physical therapists can also assist you with:
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
- Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Post Surgical Rehabilitation
- Shin Splint Treatment
- Direct Access Physical Therapy
- Gait Analysis
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Dry Needling Near Me
Call Axes For Help With Your Beginner Running Program in Lakeshire, MO
Starting a beginner running program in Lakeshire, MO does wonders for both your body and mind. However, many people don’t know where to start, or are unsure if their body can hold up to it. Professional physical therapists like those at Axes can help by developing a holistic fitness plan that will ensure you can get the benefits of running without hurting yourself. If you’re thinking about starting a beginner running program in Lakeshire, MO, contact us through our website, or call the Axes location most convenient for you.