Finding Your Inner Athlete in Six Short Weeks September 17, 2009

Starting on an exercise regimen can be hard to commit to, a reason why most individuals to fail to stick to it. Medical professionals at the Mayo Clinic advise that people see their doctor before beginning any exercise or weight loss regimen since every person is different and may need medical treatment prior to beginning activity. Most experts also explain that some cardiac conditions as well as orthopedic issues may pose heath hazards to persons engaging in anaerobic exercise. This includes any kind of heavy lifting activities. After an individual has been approved for activity and lifestyle changes by their doctor, it is recommended to start slowly if their daily regimen has not previously included exercise. Beginning slowly with a 3 to 3.5 MPH slow jog for 20 -60 minutes, depending upon the person’s conditioning level, is an ideal starting point.

How to Deal with Challenges in the First Weeks

Walking not only increases heart rate, but it also boosts oxygen-rich blood that reaches each muscle and provides the beginnings of a higher metabolism. When getting ready for a sports like a running competition, start with 60 minutes of vigorous walking (at a speed of about 4 to 4.5 MPH) for the beginning week with 2-minute runs every 5 minutes. Personal trainers also suggest interval training for losing weight. If someone has a considerate amount of excess pounds to lose and is experiencing aches in their feet, the cause is likely flat feet. Seek immediate flat feet treatment from a podiatrist before continuing. Treatment for flat feet that is addressed immediately in one’s exercise regimen can prevent more severe foot conditions from developing later.

Meeting the Challenges of Weeks 2 Through 5 Head On

The second and third weeks of the exercise routine should be focused on increasing the body’s endurance. Giving your muscles the crucial oxygen they should have during activity can be attributed to an increased ability to participate in activity for longer time spans. Whether strolling or sprinting, your heart will adjust the way it pumps as it begins to meet the muscles’ needs for more oxygen in the blood. The next step is to increase running intervals for weeks 4 and 5 by running for five minutes and walking for two minutes. For exercisers who are still new, maintain the activity for 30 minutes; advanced-level runners should continue for up to 60 minutes. If foot issues arise in this stage of training, see a foot doctor about possible plantar fasciitis, a common ailment among athetes. These kinds of conditions causes painful tears and swelling in the foot tissues. Ask the podiatrist about plantar fasciitis exercises that remedy the problem. The best treatment is continuous therapy including plantar fascitis exercises .

Making Running a Permanent Part of Each Week

If you decide to get serious about it, in the final stage of conditioning for a competition, or for those who are simply trying to improve their health is to run for 10 minutes and stroll for 1 minute. By now, beginners should be able to keep this pace for a full 30-40 minutes and advanced runners preparing for their competitive event should maintain this pace for 60 minutes. Whether intending to lose weight or increase staying power, a running routine like this will increase energy from the very beginning. If painful feet proceed to be a problem at this point and treatment has already been sought, try using sport orthotics. These arch supports not only supply support and cushion for superior comfort, they can avert injuries by counteracting the effects of excess pronation.

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