Running

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

There has been alot of buzz lately in the fitness industry surrounding High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This type of cardio training is designed to improve your overall performance as well as burn fat by completing short, very intense workouts. High Intensity Interval Training can be applied to most cardiovascular exercise such as; running, cycling, rowing, and skipping. HIIT workouts can last anywhere from 15–30 minutes and include a 2:1 ratio in terms of time. An example of a high intensity interval workout incorporating running could be 1 minute of jogging and 30 seconds of sprinting. There are however, some precautions when training with this method and perhaps the most important is that...

Going with the Yoga Running Flow: Yoga Heals Injuries

If you are a runner or an athlete, life may throw you a curve ball. The important part is how you react to this curveball. Injuries are an unfortunate but common occurrence with runners. Yoga can help move the healing process along. From a yogic standpoint, going with the flow means to modify as things change, on and off the mat. When our circumstances change, we must make conscious decisions about how we can continue to flow, even with the changes. Healing the injury is very important. Relaxing and trusting the whole process is even more important. The meaning of yoga...

3 Must Haves for Running Outdoors

Even if the warm summer months have passed, there are many of us who still love to sweat and get dirty outdoors during the damp and colder days. Running outside is fun and a nice change from the treadmill but requires that we be aware of our surroundings. Some of the benefits of running outdoors are; you can run anywhere, enjoy the scenery, get fresh air, and it's generally more challenging as you expend more calories. Here are a couple of items to help you stay safe while running outside. The Gear: Reflective Gear ($10): With less daylight running time, you need gear...

Preparing for a Marathon: The Nutrition Factor

Optimum nutritional habits are essential during your marathon training. Fundamental components include hydration status, carbohydrate and protein intake as well as electrolyte repletion, and joint health. To ensure proper muscle recovery post-exercise and to reduce your risk of injury, consider the following points: Restore electrolytes and water (essential electrolytes being: sodium, potassium, magnesium) in the form of a sports re-hydration drink. Electrolyte repletion is essential as minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium promotes post-exercise recovery while ingredients such as citric acid and malic acid are essential factors required for energy production. Drinking plenty of water before during and after your...

Getting Motivated to Go for that Run

There will often be circumstances that can derail you from your running schedule. Whether it be the weather, a bad mood, too much food in your stomach, childcare, a traffic jam, or sad news. So how do you maintain your best intentions in the midst of life's curve-balls? Establish a conscious intention to battle the de-motivators. Take inventory of what you've noticed that has taken you off course in the past, and create an arsenal of strategies to combat these factors. Some 'tools' in your arsenal could include: Have an all-case scenario 'kit': Energy gel-pack for hunger, wet and cold weather gear, alternate...

Got Shin Splints?

Runners and other athletes, as well as fitness enthusiasts get it. It is also very common in active people. The pain in the front of the lower leg known as shin splints. Many people use shin splints as an excuse to stop working out, but I am not going to let it stop you. Here are some causes: Exercising on concrete or uneven ground. Working out in shoes that don’t fit properly. Here’s exactly what it is and how to manage it. To prevent or reduce shin splints, you must find out your foot type so that you can purchase the right athletic shoes. Foot...

Stretching Offers More than Flexibility

We have all heard that stretching is one of the essential components of fitness. But many of us continue to avoid the flexibility part of our workouts. Not only does stretching reduce risks of injury during physical activity, but it helps prevents post-exercise muscle soreness, otherwise known as DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness). A recent study done at Louisiana State University showed that stretching could possibly make people stronger as well as help to increase their endurance. Researchers believe that stretching works muscles in a method very similar to strength training, but on a very smaller level. It is also being suggested...

Run, Race and Set Goals

It's the start of a new year. What a great time to sit down and organize a running and racing schedule to keep you motivated and inspired all year long. Choosing one or two main goal races then organizing other races to support that goal keeps training fresh and fun. If your goal is to compete in your first race, run a marathon, or compete as an elite athlete you can benefit in many ways from goal setting. One of the benefits is you can visualize your goals, and re-read them weekly to remind yourself and stay motivated through tough training...

Interval Training for Fat Loss

Many people mistakenly believe that the best way to lose weight through exercise is to train at a very slow pace for a long time. This notion came from Scandinavian studies conducted in the 1960s that showed that the body used more fat when exercising very slowly than when training more intensely. Some people interpreted these results to mean that low-intensity exercise is better for losing fat. This notion is nonsense! You lose fat by burning more calories than you take in. You will burn many more calories training intensely than exercising slowly. The body does not metabolize fats by themselves....

Dynamic Stretching for Recreational Runners

Alright folks, the running season is coming up.  With your local 10km charity runs, full or half marathons and recreational running clubs quickly approaching, it's time to hit the pavement and lace up those running shoes! I am a strong believer in having both a pre and post exercise stretching routine.  Stretching prepares the body for physical exertion and sports performance. There are two styles of stretching: Dynamic Stretching or Static Stretching. Dynamic Stretching increases range of movement, blood and oxygen flow to soft tissues prior to exertion and has been proven to reduce the risk of injury. Static Stretching used to be...