Learn to keep fit through running

I have jogged, ran and swam, done aerobics, body conditioned, danced (believe it or not - as in dance classes - another story) and gone to the gym. I have probably done more but I can’t bring to mind right now. What I have learnt now at the good old age of 48 is that I have found my niche, my thing that works. It might change again, but somehow I don't think it will. And at the end of the day that's what you will have to do for yourself.

Enjoying life:

Some people are fantastically disciplined. They will get up every morning and go for their run before they do anything else. And they will do that regardless of whether their world is falling apart. But hey - if that's how some people deal with life then that's okay. Some people take drugs or drink too much alcohol. Others keep fit more. Then you have really marvelous dedicated people that do exactly the same as the above, but hate every minute of it. They wake up and immediately jog - and yes it’s probably keeping them fit and young, but I personally would rather enjoy my life. For instance, I would rather take the longer route on a journey because it has a better view. So rather than wake up feeling depressed every day because I know I have to run, I feel its better to wake every morning to a fresh cup of real coffee and toast. Mmm, what a lovely aroma it gives the house.

Finding a schedule that works for you:

I'm going to tell you my routine and then afterwards let you know what I would recommend for you. Now bear in mind what type of job you do. Is it a physical one? If you are a Tree Surgeon for example you probably don’t need to exercise as much as an office worker. If you have to sit all day at a computer in a stuffy office, your body will be pleased to exert itself, believe me. So here’s my routine at the moment. I do change it periodically. You need to work out what suits you personally and how exercise can fit in to your life.

A routine that works for me:

Running:

I take all my gym stuff to work. After work I go for a run for roughly an hour. I stick my iPod on very loud and very dancy music (mainly MJ 70' at the moment). I used to swim for an hour and 20 minutes, but I tend to swap around. It does your body good to change. You can change while doing the same keep fit exercise too and should. An example of this may be whilst running, make sure you don’t do the same route all the time. Cross the road, or go the other way. Your body is such a good thing. It gets used to things and adjusts. You never want to let it become too complacent. Give it a challenge. It will do you good, I promise.

Gym:

Then roughly 3 times per week I like to go to the gym and have a little toning session for about an hour. I also like the idea of toning my body. I have done some kind of aerobic exercise all my life which has probably done well for my heart but not my flab. I must admit I don’t always manage the whole hour. I have had enough of swimming at the moment but I know that I will go back to it at some point. I have to really discipline myself with the gym as I get bored with it. I would love a personal trainer for this. Not sure why I get bored as running can be boring I suppose, but not for me. You will find your own likes and dislikes. I feel running is a wonderful time to be alone with the world. Its even more rewarding if you can run in a park or heath to be at one with nature

Build up gradually:

Obviously this isn't something that I just went out and did immediately. I have built up my exercise over the years. All of this is dependent on how tired im feeling and I never exercise if I’m ill. I did once in the 80’s and ended up not being able to rid a high temperature for 3 weeks. I gave myself the real flu. So many people say they have flu when it is only a bad cold. When you get the flu – you know it – I had it just that once. It also depends on what is happening in my life at the time.

Keep it regular:

But on the whole I try to keep it as regular as I possible can. So I try to aim for that but please don't feel depressed if you don't achieve your goal. That will defeat the object. We exercise to feel good. It’s the one area in your life that shouldn’t depress you.

Do not compare:

Try not to compare yourself with others. For example, this hub isn’t for you to follow to the letter. Its to take ideas and to make them your own. In doing that, you will need to change them to suit you. Your body is very good at letting you know when it’s had enough. That’s not to say you shouldn't push it a bit though. When I'm in the middle of working out, I put the timer onto the machine and don't watch it, I really try and go off somewhere else in my head, that way the hour passes quick, and if I'm feeling (wish i wasn't here) i just remind myself of how good i will feel in just one hour which is not long in the space of time. I then go home and chill. I try to do some type of exercise at least 4 times per week but no more than 6. It’s good for your body to re-charge. But it is suitable and in fact medical guidelines recommend half an hour of exercise 5 days per week.Try not to do less than 3 times per week. Now your schedule (you can do this in the morning or evening - its something you will need to work out)

Your schedule:

Here is a little plan I put together for somebody just starting out. Remember, we are all different, and the key is to listen to your body.

Week 1

10 minutes every other day.

Week 2

10 min's every day.

Week 3

15 minutes for one day and still 10 minutes for the rest.

Week 4

15 minutes for 2 days and still 10 minutes for the rest.

If you’re feeling it’s too much – (and that can happen a lot with exercise) stay on the same routine for a while, until you are ready to step up. You might end up doing the first week as a first month instead - it doesn't matter - it’s not a race. It’s about becoming fit, that takes time. I only recommend you join a gym if you feel sure you would use it. Many people lose lots of money on unused gyms.

Jogging in the park or street is free!

You might find you’re not a jogger, and then you need to look at other options. But most other options would involve a gym. How much money do you spend on cigarette's and booze? Weigh up your desires and wants in life. All exercise is good. Swimming, badminton, tennis, body conditioning, walking etc is all good, the list is endless.

I hope this hub will be of assistance!

Copyright © 2011 Lesley Sherwood