Shrewsbury, MO

Shrewsbury, MO

Allow Axes to Help Develop Your Customized Beginner Running Program

Beginner Running Program in Shrewsbury, MO

Beginner running program in Shrewsbury, MO. The benefits of running are clear: it can improve your mood, help you lose weight, strengthen the heart and lungs, and you can do it pretty much anywhere. But, if you’re just starting a beginner running program in Shrewsbury, MO, you may not know how to get started, and if you’re healthy enough to hold up to more physical activity than your body’s accustomed to. Professional physical therapists like those at Axes are experts in mobility 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 show you how to run safely, understand if you’re healthy enough to begin a running program, and treat any running-related injuries you may sustain.

Read on below to see our our advise to beginner runners, contact us online, or call the Axes location closest to you to learn more.

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

6 Benefits of Starting a Beginner Running Program

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

  1. Weight loss — The average person burns roughly 80 to 140 calories per mile, making running one of the more efficient weight losing exercises.
  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 works the muscles in the legs, abdomen, and back, helping to improve overall fitness and endurance.
  4. Better mood — Running is known to improve your mental health by producing endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that stabilize your mood and relieve pain.
  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. Convenience — Running is a simple and economical way to get regular exercise and you can do it pretty much anywhere with just a pair of shoes. It can be done by people of most ages and fitness levels, and your routine can be easily modified to suit individual needs, abilities, and limitations.

While it probably won’t take long to get that “runner’s high“, in order to get the full benefits of starting a beginners running program in Shrewsbury, MO, you’ll need to make running a consistent part of your day.

6 Beginner Running Tips in Shrewsbury, MO

Going from the couch to the track may seem daunting to some Shrewsbury, MO residents, but to get started, all you need to do is lace up your shoes. A beginner running program isn’t about “winning;” it’s about determination, progressive development, and taking care of your body. The following are the top 6 beginner running tips to ensure you get the full benefits of running.

  1. Be realistic and progress slowly — You may be excited to start your running program, and may have dreams of one day running that 4-minute mile. But if you’re body isn’t used to it, or you’re just starting exercise again after an injury, over-exerting yourself could lead to injury, and trying to do something unrealistic may make you unmotivated. Start out at a slow pace, and gradually build up how long you run for in the coming weeks.

    If you feel like you’re very out of shape, it’s OK to start by walking briskly for 30 minutes and progress to running later. Another option is to alternate between running and walking in 2-minute intervals.

  2. Wear the right shoes — While shoes are the only “equipment” you need for running, it’s important to get the right ones. There are many advantages to buying good running shoes, including arch support, cushioning, and injury and blister prevention.
  3. 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 enhance 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 prevent injuries and improve your recovery.
  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 dedicated strength training program.
  5. Make sure you’re well-hydrated and follow proper nutrition — Running and sweating increase the amount of water we need. Adequate hydration increases recovery and performance, and minimizes negative side-effects.

    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, like weight management and reduced stress.

  6. Listen to your body — It will tell you if something is wrong. 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. 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 >2 hours, you can continue to the next session
    • The presence of pain does NOT lead to limping
    • Pain does NOT continue to increase over time

In some ways running will always be hard, as the healthier you are 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 Shrewsbury, MO Can Help Your Beginner Running Program

Our Shrewsbury, MO physical therapists are experts at treating injuries, or other problems 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 Shrewsbury, MO can help your beginner running program with:

  • Treating any pre-existing injuries or conditions — A physical therapist in Shrewsbury, MO can help you understand if you’re currently healthy enough to run. If you’re not, we can develop a personalized, safe, and effective exercise program to get to the level you need to be at.
  • Design a customized exercise program — We can develop a beginner running program designed specifically your specific needs and limitations. We can also develop a cross training program. A physical therapist can also help you not be satisfied the with status quo, and progress to more challenging running exercises such as inclines or fartlek training.
  • Teaching proper running techniques — Correct form is essential to avoiding injury and getting the most out of your running program. We’ll show you appropriate posture and the best way to move your arms and legs, and we also use motion video analysis to clearly see any imperfections in your form.

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

  • Injury prevention The best injury is the one that’s avoided. We’ll help you get in the best shape possible through a personalized program that improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination while running or performing other exercises.
  • Treating any running injuries — If you do sustain an injury, a physical therapist can help you return to running and other activities you love quickly and safely. If you’re experiencing significant soreness, a physical therapist can reduce swelling and pain in your legs, buttocks, and back.

Whether want to get healthier, or get back to the top of your game after an injury or surgery, the Shrewsbury, MO physical therapists at Axes are here to help you develop and maintain your beginner running program.

Our Shrewsbury, MO physical therapists can also help you with:

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

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

Starting a beginner running program in Shrewsbury, MO does wonders for both your body and mind. However, many people don’t know where 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 plan that will ensure you can enjoy the benefits of running without hurting yourself. If you’re thinking about starting a beginner running program in Shrewsbury, MO, contact us online, or call the Axes location most convenient for you.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
  • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
  • Acute Injury Management
  • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Certified Hand Therapy (Coming Early 2024)
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • Running Gait Analysis with DorsaVi (Coming Soon October 2023
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

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PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office

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