New To Running? Don't Make These Mistakes

Running and jogging are immensely popular in the U.S., with more than 50 million of us engaged in some level of this activity. And it’s no wonder. The benefits of this sport are many, including improved cardiovascular health, a lower heart rate, better sleep, a lower rate of arthritis and elevated mood and energy levels. 

As our physical therapist at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center can attest, there are a host of common mistakes that “newbies” make when they start hitting the road. At our state-of-the-art facility, we have treated many individuals who have suffered injuries related to these missteps, including knee instability and pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome. 

Here are a few of the missteps to avoid if you’re getting ready to start a running or jogging routine:

• Choosing shoes by their looks or colors: The right footwear is critically important, so consider visiting a running store or, if you’re buying online, carefully consulting the manufacturer’s specifications for your foot size and the type of running you’re planning to do.

• Starting too quickly: Running is a high-impact activity, so jumping into a strenuous or high-mileage routine too quickly is almost certain to lead to an injury. Plan for slower-paced, low-mileage runs to begin with, and give your body at least one rest day in between runs until your body has adjusted to the routine.

• Repeating the same route: Running in the same place every time will not help you raise your fitness level. Vary the length and difficulty of your training runs for better results.
• At The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center our physical therapist has the experience and equipment to help you recover from a running injury, and to customize a fitness program that matches your age and ambitions. If you’ve seen a doctor about a running injury or are planning to begin running or jogging, please contact us for an introduction to our facility.