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If getting up early and donning your running shoes is the last thing you want to do on a Monday morning, you’re not alone. Many adults struggle to find time for exercise—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Running is a great form of exercise for anyone, no matter their age, size, or physical ability. If you’re not a runner but interested in becoming one, take heart: You don’t have to spend hours at a time running at first—even brisk walking for just 20 minutes per day can have incredible benefits. Getting started is as simple as putting on some comfortable clothes and going for it! Even if you feel like running may not be your thing. Here are some ways to get yourself out there and moving faster!
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Set Realistic Goalshow-to-get-yourself-to-enjoy-running
If you’re a new runner, it’s important to set attainable goals. It can be easy to want to jump right into 10k marathons, 5-mile jogs, or even daily runs. But if you haven’t exercised in a while, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to do that from the get-go. Instead, set smaller goals for yourself, such as a certain number of days per week where you’re getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise. Over time, you can slowly increase your intensity and build up to more challenging workouts. If you’re currently overweight or obese, you may want to work with a doctor or physical therapist to create a personalized exercise plan. That way, you can slowly start to build up your endurance and avoid injury as you lose weight. If you’re at a healthy weight, you can get going right away!
Commit to a Schedule
If you want to make running a regular part of your life, the best thing to do is make it a part of your routine. Set aside a specific day and time each week when you’ll go for a run, and try to make it as unbreakable as possible. You may also want to try fitting in a shorter workout during your lunch break or as part of your commute to work. Ideally, you’ll want to run 3-5 times a week for optimal results. The more you exercise, the more benefits you’ll see, so there’s really no such thing as “too much” when it comes to running. If you have a regular commitment like a weekly yoga class or a game of tennis with friends, you can use that as an excuse to get outside and get moving. You may also want to try to fit in a longer workout before dinner. This way, you’ll be less likely to overeat as you’ll be too exhausted to think about eating too much.
Find a Partner
Exercising with a friend can help to keep you accountable, especially if you’re new to running. You’re less likely to skip out on your exercise and let your friend down if you’ve already made a promise to meet up. You may also want to consider signing up for a race in your local area. Not only can this be a great way to meet new people and stay motivated, but you’ll also have something to train for—something to look forward to! If you have a partner who also runs, you can also hold each other accountable. You can set up a running schedule where you each commit to going for a run at a particular time, whether it’s first thing in the morning or after work.
Reward Yourself
When you’re first starting out and running is still a new activity for you, it can be easy to get frustrated or bored. If you feel like you’re not making any progress or don’t see any benefits from your regular runs, it’s important to try to stay positive and motivated. One way to do this is by rewarding yourself for exercising regularly. Whether you decide to treat yourself to a new piece of fitness equipment, a fancy new pair of running shoes, or a healthy meal from your favorite restaurant, it’s important to find something that will truly excite you and make you happy. If you’re consistent with your workout routine, you’ll soon notice that there are many more benefits to running than just feeling healthier and more energized.
Conclusion
Getting more exercise can really change your life for the better. While it can be hard to find the time to squeeze it into your schedule, the benefits of exercise are undeniable. When you start making running a part of your routine, you’ll notice improvements in your mood, energy levels, and even your overall health. It’s never too late to start running, even if you’ve never done it before. With the right approach and some patience, you’ll be well on your way to feeling better and getting in great shape. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to lace up your shoes and hit the ground running!
