Stone Meadows, MO

Stone Meadows, MO

Allow Axes to Help Develop Your Personalized Beginner Running Program

Beginner Running Program in Stone Meadows, MO

Beginner running program in Stone Meadows, MO. The benefits of running are obvious: it can boost your mood, help you manage your weight, reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, and you can do it almost anywhere. But, if you want to start a beginner running program in Stone Meadows, MO, you may not know how to get started, and if you’re healthy enough to hold up to more physical activity than you’re accustomed to. Professional physical therapists like the ones we have here at Axes know how to help people move their bodies safely and effectively. Whether you’re hoping to return to form 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, 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 beginner running tips, request an appointment online, or reach out to the Axes location nearest you to speak to a physical therapist today.

Beginner Running Program Stone Meadows, MO | Injury Prevention | Physical Therapy Near Stone Meadows

6 Benefits of Starting 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 for every mile run, making running an excellent way to lose weight.
  2. Improved cardiovascular health — Running improves heart and lung function and reduces heart disease risk factors like hypertension and cholesterol.
  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. Better mood — Running has been shown to improve your mental health by releasing endorphins and serotonin, the brain’s natural feel-good hormones.
  5. Increased longevity — Regular running has been linked to a longer lifespan. Just one run may add 7 hours to your life.
  6. Convenience — Running is an easy and inexpensive way to get regular exercise and you can do it pretty much anywhere with just a pair of shoes. It it doesn’t require any specific skills or knowledge, and your program can be adapted to your current health and physical abilities.

While you may feel that “runner’s high” right away, in order to truly reap the rewards of starting a beginners running program in Stone Meadows, MO, it will take dedication.

6 Beginner Running Tips in Stone Meadows, MO

Getting from the couch to the track may give pause to some Stone Meadows, MO residents, but in truth it’s as easy as putting on your shoes, going out the door, and hitting your stride. A beginner running program isn’t about “winning;” it’s about tenacity, constant improvement, and putting your body and mind in a better state. Below are the top 6 beginner running tips to ensure you get the full benefits of running.

  1. Set realistic goals and progress slowly — 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 haven’t done strenuous physical exercise in a while, or you’re just starting exercise again after an injury, over-exerting yourself could lead to injury, and trying to do something you can’t may make you want to stop altogether. Start out by running slowly, and gradually build up how long you run for as you go.

    If you feel like you’re very out of shape, may be a good idea to start by walking rapidly for 30 minutes and start running once you’re body’s used to an increased heart rate. You can also switch 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 benefits to buying good running shoes, including more comfort, better performance, and injury prevention.
  3. Warm up and cool down Even Olympic athletes need to warm up before a game or performance. Stretching and exercises like high knees that improve range of motion will help get your body ready for the rigors of running. Static stretches after a run, as well as rest, help prevent injuries and feels less soreness.
  4. Complement your running program with strength and cross training — Muscle imbalances impact how our joints experience force, and can cause injury or soreness. Having strong gluteal muscles and hip abductors can help ease the stress that running puts on the body. You also need to improve and maintain range of motion in your lower body and core.
  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 requires a lot of energy. You’ll need healthy carbs, protein, and nutrients to replenish your body. Following a proper diet will also enhance 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 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 change how you walk or run
    • Pain does NOT continue to increase over time

In a sense, 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 Stone Meadows, MO Can Be Part of Your Beginner Running Program

Our Stone Meadows, MO physical therapists can help with recovering from injuries and other musculoskeletal problems like 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 Stone Meadows, MO can help your beginner running program with:

  • Treating any pre-existing injuries or conditions — A physical therapist in Stone Meadows, MO can help determine what your current health level is, and develop a beginner running program that is safe for you.
  • Create a customized exercise program — We can develop a beginner running program designed specifically your specific fitness level. We can also show you strength and flexibility exercises to complement your running program. A physical therapist can also push you to challenge yourself, and progress to more challenging running programs such as inclines or fartlek training.
  • Teaching proper running techniques — Moving in the right way is vital to avoiding injury and getting the most out of your running program. We’ll teach you appropriate posture 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 warm-up techniques 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 customized program that boosts strength, range of motion, endurance, and technique while running and when engaged in other physical activity.
  • Treating any running injuries — If you do become injured, a physical therapist can help you get back 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 muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

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

Other services we provide in Stone Meadows, MO include:

Beginner Running Tips Stone Meadows, MO | Beginner Running Running | Physical Therapists Near Stone Meadows

Call Axes to Start Your Beginner Running Program in Stone Meadows, MO

Starting a beginner running program in Stone Meadows, MO does wonders for both your body and mind. However, many people aren’t sure how to begin, or are nervous about 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 enjoy the benefits of running without hurting yourself. If you want to start a beginner running program in Stone Meadows, MO, request an appointment online, or call 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

Locations

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