Fitness Jogging

Jogging is a slower and much more relaxed style of running. Joggers are primarily interested in improved health and fitness as opposed to runners who may also be looking to compete.



Benefits



Fitness jogging results in better cardiovascular health. It has also been show to improve and cure irregularities in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Regular workouts also enhance your physical stamina and endurance.



People on a weight loss program can benefit tremendously from jogging. When done on a regular basis, jogging burns off approximately 100 calories per hour which reduces the excess fat and the body weight. Additionally, it lowers the cholesterol levels, blood pressure and pulse rate, all of which are challenges faced by over-weight people.



Fitness jogging builds up the thigh, calf and buttock muscles. For many people it provides tremendous stress relief and puts them in a calmer frame of mind. It's also a great way to exercise in the outdoors and fresh air. And of course, this is an inexpensive way to work out.





Risks



During fitness jogging, the pounding of the feet against the ground at a higher than normal pace creates internal body shocks that affect the knees, ankles, lower back and hips. It is not unusual for joggers to develop pain and injuries in these area.. Sometimes a jogger may dismiss the pain as just a minor discomfort, only to discover much later that serious damage has occurred.



Techniques and Tips



To reduce the risk of these injuries, it is advisable to purchase proper jogging shoes with sole cushioning, good flexibility and that fit well. As a beginner one should start at a moderate pace, for moderate distances of no more than 30 minutes about three times a week. Once your body has adjusted to the exercise you can gradually increase the pace and distance. Alternative walking and jogging is another method whereby you sustain a 20 minute jog without slowing down, followed by a walk session.



With time, you can build up to two or three miles of jogging in a session, three times a week. It's a good idea to take a day off in between jogging days as this allows the muscles to relax and recover from each workout. It's also not a bad idea to have a complete medical check-up prior to starting a jogging routine to determine your body's overall health. Some joggers have been discovered with undetected heart conditions which proved fatal.



Always begin and end each session with jogging warm up and cool down stretches which help to prevent leg injuries. Begin the jogging routine at a relaxed pace and gradually increase to your normal level. Wait at least one hour after eating a big meal before you go fitness jogging or you're likely to get a 'stitch' (side abdominal pain).



Slow down gradually towards the end of you routine and don't stop 'dead in your tracks' as you may experience dizziness and nausea. This because a lot of blood is still trapped the muscles which gives the heart insufficient supplies of oxygen.