Congratulations! You’ve tackled the first major step toward a new, healthier you. Just by clicking on this article, you’ve told yourself that becoming a runner is possible, and you’re right! Our Running Program for Beginners will help you take baby steps toward reaching your goals. The beginner’s running program, below, is designed for those with absolutely no running experience. But, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Once you get the go-ahead to start the program, pull that hair back, lace up those shoes, and let’s get started!
Running Program for Absolute Beginners: This beginners’ program combines cardiovascular fitness activities with strength training exercises to help your body build both strength and endurance, as well as prevent injuries. You’ll notice that during the first few weeks of this beginner’s running program, you won’t be running at all. By starting out with a fast-paced walk, you’ll allow your body the time it needs to adapt to your new fitness routine. Follow the schedule below and you’ll be a runner before you know it.
Looking for more tips? Review our Running Tips for Absolute Beginners.
Cardio Walk (CW): During your cardio walks, you will walk at a fast pace, while keeping your arms at chest level and swinging them front to back–just as when running. We call this a cardio walk because of its cardiovascular and fat burning benefits. This walk is also designed to move you progressively into running. Find the right walking and running shoes here.
Strength Training (ST): On strength-training days, you’ll follow a method of improving muscular strength by gradually increasing the ability to resist force through the use of free weights, machines, or your own body weight. Strength training sessions are designed to impose increasingly greater resistance, which in turn stimulates development of muscle strength to meet the added demand. You can find, both home and gym, strength training routines on SkinnyMs.com..
Mile (M): As you increase your fitness levels, the distance of your cardio workouts will increase. Wherever you notice a number, followed by an ‘M’, in the schedule, you should cover as many miles in your workout as the number dictates.
Cross Training: Cross is a type of training that incorporates various forms of exercise or a combination of one or more. Some examples of Cross Training: aerobics, bicycling, brisk walking, jogging, skating, snow skiing, weight lifting, swimming and walking.
Source: skinnyms.com/running-program-for-absolute-beginners/
Image: media.defense.gov
