Real Fast Running Recovery Tips For The Newbie Runner
Running is a sport that many people are passionate about. Whether on a treadmill or on the road, running is good for the body. Running supports the cardiovascular system, it helps to maintain proper weight, and it strengthens muscles—all good reasons for people to pick up the sport. However, there is also a mental component to running that changes people over time and also sustains their commitment to health. After someone breaks the mile, or even two mile barrier, they become “runners” instead of people who just want to be fit and healthy. Runners enjoy being able to force the body to move past where it wants to go.
Runners enjoy moving forward. This is why it is so difficult to get a runner to rest or stop when injured. They simply cannot do it, especially once they just got the taste of being a runner. Newbie runners often re-injure themselves quickly because they don't want to lose the momentum they gained and go back to the life before running. There are ways to recover from an injury and not lose psychological momentum.
These helpful tips can support fitness goals and keep the momentum going during the recovery time for an injury:
- Drink water and get plenty of rest. Injuries will always have inflammation as part of the body's healing process, but inflammation also can lead to re-injury if someone attempts to move too quickly. Sleep and additional water, helps to aid in cellular recovery and will make the inflammation go away quicker.
- Buy a treadmill (if you don't have one already) and start walking. Modern treadmills have many advantages over running on concrete or asphalt, such as cushions to protect the joints, inclines to increase cardio workout and build muscles, and the ability to measure results. Walking is low impact and burns 70% of the calories of running.
- Go swimming. Swimming is considered one of the best whole body exercises of them all. It has no impact on the joints, exercises nearly every muscle in the body through soft resistance training, and is also fun. There is something about splashing in water that lifts the spirits and will help you mentally come back from injury.
- Dust off your bicycle and go for a ride (or use your spinner). It carries the same “solo sport” value as running, you are moving in a forward direction, and is very low impact on the joints.
When the time comes that you are healed enough to start running, the use of a treadmill can help you to break back into the routine without as much impact on your joints as you might receive from running on concrete. Having the proper health equipment can have a huge impact on your training and your level of fitness. Remember not to lose faith in yourself or your abilities. Even those in marathon training, especially those in marathon training will sustain injuries due to the time spent at their sport. Just like the first time you put your shoes on and walked outside, this journey back begins with a single step.
Kevin Jones is a freelance writer, researcher and fitness instructor/consultant. He had helped hundreds of people find ways to become more fit and healthy through a balanced life focusing on an individualized approach to their nutrition and fitness. In addition, Kevin has written extensively in the fitness and health industries, including writing for companies such as ICON Fitness for both the NordicTrack and ProForm brands. Connect with Kevin online; LinkedIn - Twitter
