Womack, MO

Womack, MO

Allow Axes to Help Develop Your Customized Beginner Running Program

Beginner Running Program in Womack, MO

Beginner running program in Womack, MO. There are numerous benefits to starting a running program: it can boost mental health, burn fat, strengthen the heart and lungs, and you can do it almost anywhere. But, if you’re contemplating a beginner running program in Womack, MO, you may have doubts about how to proceed, and if you’re healthy enough to handle more physical activity than you’re accustomed to. 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 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 beginner running tips, request an appointment online, or call the Axes location nearest you to learn more.

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

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 helps to strengthen the muscles in the legs, abdomen, and back, and greatly increases lung capacity and endurance.
  4. Better mental health — Running has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that stabilize your mood and relieve pain.
  5. Longer lifespan — Regular running has been linked to a longer lifespan. Running for just one hour may add 7 hours to your life.
  6. Accessibility — Running is an easy and budget-friendly way to get consistent exercise and you can do it pretty much anywhere with almost no equipment. 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 the proverbial “runner’s high“, in order to get the full rewards of starting a beginners running program in Womack, MO, you’ll need to do it consistently, and do it the right way.

6 Beginner Running Tips in Womack, MO

Going from the couch to the track may be difficult for some Womack, 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 development, and being healthy. Below 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 haven’t done strenuous physical activity before, or you’re just starting exercise again after an injury, over-exerting yourself can have negative side-effects, and setting unattainable goals may make you want to stop altogether. Start out at a slow pace, and gradually the distance you run in the coming weeks.

    If you feel like you’re very out of shape, it’s OK to start by walking rapidly for half an hour and start running once you’re body’s used to an increased heart rate. Another option is to alternate between running and walking in 2-minute periods.

  2. 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 running 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. Dynamic exercises like hip rotation and knee-to-chest that improve flexibility will help get your body ready for the stress of running. After the run, it’s important to do static stretches and rest to help reduce the risk of injuries and improve your recovery.
  4. Combine running with strength and cross training — Muscle imbalances affect how our joints experience force, and can cause injury or soreness. Having hip and glute muscles can help correct those imbalances. You also need to improve and maintain flexibility in your lower body and core.
  5. Make sure you’re well-hydrated and follow proper nutrition — When we sweat, our bodies lose fluid. Adequate hydration increases recovery and performance, and minimizes negative side-effects.

    Running also burns up 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, such as weight management and reduced stress.

  6. 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 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 Womack, MO Can Be Part of Your Beginner Running Program

Our Womack, MO physical therapists are experts at treating injuries, or other problems like 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 that are backed by evidence, an Axes physical therapist in Womack, MO can help your beginner running program with:

  • Evaluating your current fitness level — A physical therapist in Womack, MO can help determine what your current health level is, and develop a beginner running program based on that.
  • Design a customized exercise program — We can develop a beginner running program based on 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 varying speeds or fartlek training.
  • Teaching proper running techniques — Correct form is essential to avoiding injury and getting all the possible benefits from your running program. We’ll teach you appropriate balance and the best way to move your arms and legs, and we also use 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 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 form while running or performing other exercises.
  • Addressing injuries as they occur — If you do become injured, a physical therapist can help you get back to running and other activities you love quickly and safely. If you’re suffering from 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 Womack, 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.

Other services we provide in Womack, MO include:

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

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

Starting a beginner running program in Womack, 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 creating a comprehensive fitness plan that will ensure you can get the benefits of running without hurting yourself. If you want to start a beginner running program in Womack, MO, contact us online, or contact the Axes location closest to you.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • Spine Specialty – Certified Manual Therapy
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Therapy
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Cassandra Wadlow
Front Office
Dena Rose
PT, CMPT, CHT
Anthony Meyer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Derrick Wolk
Partner, Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
Kimberly Helm
Front Office Supervisor
Lisa Bell
Front Office

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