RUNNING FOR BEGINNERS: TOP TIPS Posted on 14 July 202120 November 2021 by Michelle Jones No one’s really a beginner runner. We all know how to do it because most of us started running soon after we learned how to walk. That said, if you haven’t done it for a while, there are still a few tips you should keep in mind that will help you get the most out of your running sessions: GET KITTED OUT You don’t have to break the bank on the latest trainers to start running; just make sure your footwear gives you plenty of support. Wear what’s comfortable, but splashing out on some cool leggings, shorts and a top is great for morale and can get you in the mood to run. JOIN A GYM Jogging for beginners is all about starting out gently. Joining a gym means you can set your own pace by starting to run on the indoor treadmill. This is a great way to start conditioning your muscles and begin to build up your stamina. However, many people make the mistake of ditching the weights in favour of miles on the treadmill. While the added mileage might be beneficial for increasing endurance, it might actually lead to extra injuries. The pounding from running puts an immense strain on the body. If the muscles aren’t prepared to handle the load, stress gets absorbed elsewhere including bones and connective tissue. Over time, overuse injuries including shin splints, stress fractures, and “runner’s knee”. Ensure you incorporate strength training, squats & lunges into your routine. A strong upper body is essential to maintaining a good arm movement pattern whilst running. NUTRITION Before you start running, eat some light, high energy food like a piece of fruit, a smoothie or an energy bar, but never try to run on a full stomach, unless it’s to catch the bus home! Replenish your spent energy after running by eating some protein and carbohydrates, such as scrambled eggs, a lean meat sandwich, yoghurt, granola or berries. Also, top up on fluids! PACE YOURSELF The London marathon can wait for now; just take it easy at first. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. That said, it’s important to set some goals, such as running a specific distance on the treadmill, aiming for a higher average pace. Set realistic targets so you can measure your results week by week. Apps like Couch to 5K can help you build up slowly and to see how far you’ve come! GET IN THE HABIT Staying motivated is the key and once running becomes a habit – typically, after a few weeks – it really does get easier. Before you know it, you’ll feel full of energy and the running habit will be part of your daily or regular routine. Finding a running buddy is a great way of staving off boredom as your distances increase and because you can chat as you run, those miles will slip past unnoticed. GOALS It’s important not to get too attached to the treadmill. Once you start to feel more at ease running, try some outdoor runs in the morning, or at weekends. Now’s the time to consider entering a 5k or 10k, half marathon, or even a marathon – just give yourself plenty of time to train properly.
MAKING SURE YOUR CARDIO DOESN’T HINDER YOUR STRENGTH GAIN Posted on 23 May 20215 November 2021 by GymEasy Think running is going to wither your muscles away? Think again. Combining cardio and strength training can actually up your gains. HOW CARDIO CAN BENEFIT STRENGTH TRAINING Low intensity running is one way to benefit your strength training. Short- to mid-distance steady runs increase blood flow to your muscles. On the other hand, long distance running can be intense and hard on your muscles and have the opposite effect of your strength training goals. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is another good cardio option to combine with strength training because it preserves that muscle you have worked hard for. While doing HIIT workouts, you will lose fat instead of muscle. HIIT is characterised by short bursts of very hard work. Basically, intense cardio or sprints for a short amount of time. A study called Endurance Exercise Training Enhances Local Sex Steroidogenesis in Skeletal Muscle found that in rats, aerobic exercise can help increase the conversion of muscular DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a key component in skeletal muscle atrophy (size increase). The rats were doing aerobic training five times per week for 30 minutes each time. This is something to keep in mind when planning your exercise routine. THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD When combining running and strength training, you will need to keep an eye on how many calories are coming in versus how many calories you are burning. Burning too many calories will hinder your gains. Keep track of protein and carbs to fuel your muscles throughout your training. You will also need to make sure you eat enough healthy foods throughout the day to keep your energy up and help muscle growth. One way to make sure you get enough calories is to increase the amount so you eat the same amount you burn during your entire workout. An ideal amount would be two grams of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. As always, you should be eating enough of your fruit and vegetables, which is seven to nine servings a day. Not sure what to eat? Some good examples healthy foods include: Eggs Black beans Salmon Mixed green salad Whole grain bread Whole grain pasta Chicken Dark chocolate Tofu THINK ABOUT THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU TRAIN Some people will swear by running first where others will swear by strength training first. The right answer is what works for you. You want to train after your body has had somewhat of a break, but before muscle soreness sets in. For example, strength train and finish it off with a high intensity interval training workout for five to ten minutes when you are done. There is a sweet spot you need to find with your body. Another option is to do one program one day and the other program the next day. For example, strength train one day and run the following day. COMBINE RUNNING AND STRENGTH TRAINING The first thing you need to do before planning your program is get the right shoes for your activity, as this can help you train smarter and faster, and avoid injury. Running Shoes Guru has a good guide to help find the right shoes for you. Shoes are available for long distance running, strength training, and high intensity interval training, which is a good idea if you are combining running and strength training. Next, think about what time of program you want to do. A good example of HIIT is to run for 30, 60, or 90 seconds — one time — then rest for double the amount of the time you ran. For example, if you sprinted for 60 seconds rest for 120 then run again. An entire workout can last from 20 to 45 minutes. If HIIT isn’t your thing, running 30 minutes five times a week will do along with a strength training program. If you aren’t sure how to start out running, we have an article that can help you get started. FINAL THOUGHTS Running and strength training can enhance the progress of one another. Think about Olympian sprinters and how solid their muscles are. They do a variety of programs, including strength training and running, to increase their muscle gains. Get the right shoes and start on a running and strength training program for enhanced results of each activity.
