So you have decided to starting exercising and beginning jogging. Jogging or running is one of the best exercises if you want to lose weight, improve your cardiovascular condition, firm up your legs, and relax your mind from stress.

If you have never jogged before, its best to go walking first before beginning jogging. If you dive immediately into running, the strenuous exercise might injure you. However, the thought that this exercise must be done regularly can sometimes discourage someone to continue with the routine.

What must you do then if you are planning of beginning jogging? Here are some tips if you are thinking about running as your exercise of choice.

Focus on Your Goal

Keep the spirit. When you are beginning jogging, stay encouraged. Focus on the goal that you have for exercising. You can join a running club or find a running partner.

Set a Time for Jogging

Choose the best time to jog. Because jogging is so convenient for everyone, you can adjust your routine to your schedule. What is the best time for you to jog? It is recommended that you start jogging in the morning if you choose to run outdoors. In the morning, the quality of air is always better than the rest of the day. The air is fresh and the oxygen content is high in the air. The oxygen you breathe in will help burn off the calories you want to needed to rid of.

Take It Easy

For beginning jogging, you should not run straight for more than 10 minutes on the first week. You can use the walk-run plan on a 1:1 ratio. This means you walk for 1 minute and run for 1 minute following the interval for the 10 minute duration. Then you can increase the time on the second week and so on. Also, write a plan or schedule of run; you can start with jogging for several days a week as a routine. Make a gradual improvement in your miles and minutes of running.

Always Warm Up

Get yourself stretched up before you jog. Usually stretching that involves movement (dynamic stretching) is beneficial than stretching in position (static stretching). When warming up, concentrate on the breathing technique so you will not exhaust yourself when you actually jog. The calves, Achilles tendons, hamstrings, quadriceps, and lower back muscles need to be stretched to avoid injuries.

Jog for a Reason

When you jog, think of doing it for time or distance. Whichever option, the calories burned will be equally profitable for you. The most important thing is you choose the one that’s easiest for you. For example, if you jog 5K outdoor, that’s about 20 minutes on the treadmill.

Eat Before Jogging

Take in food that are high in carbohydrates and lower in fat, fiber, and protein. Jogging on empty stomach will cause stomach cramps. But do not eat right before jogging. Eat light meal about 1 ½ or 2 hours before your exercise.

Remember to Hydrate

Drink before, during and after jogging. At least 2 to 3 cups of water should be taken 20 to 30 minutes before jogging. This will hydrate you and keep you in optimum performance. Drink while you jog to keep you hydrated; at least 7 to 10 oz for a 20 minute jog. Don’t wait to feel thirsty; drink whenever possible. After jogging, drink at least 8 oz of water to rehydrate your body with the fluid that you lost during the work-out.

Jogging can be the best exercise for you. All you need to do is get up, lace up those running shoes and jog.