Running and jogging are great ways to let off steam. It'll decrease your stress levels and increase your creativity. Running will slim anyone down in a short amount of time, depending on how long you run. Most of all, it gives you the greatest feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. Your bed suddenly feels softer, the world quieter and sleep becomes deeper.
Even though running has its perks, it can be hurtful if posture isn't corrected. I know multiple people, including myself, who have injured themselves because of bad posture while running or jogging.
One thing I've learned is how to have the right foot strike. When you're sprinting down the track, avoid hitting the ground first with your heels. This could possibly injure the shin, the knee or the hip because of a reaction force going up the leg. Your center of gravity is off, therefore, everything else will be off too.
It's important to remember to land on the middle of your foot instead of the heel while keeping your center of gravity balanced to prevent injuries. Also make sure you are maintaining a light stride so the impact force is lower while keeping your feet directly underneath your body. Not slightly in front or slightly behind.
I used to run on my toes like a dancer until my feet started to hurt pretty badly. Also, I'm sure that looked ridiculous now that I think about it.
Something else I've realized is that leg motion needs to be wider. Instead of running with my legs close together, I am trying to lift my shins higher while I run. I'm focusing on elevating the heel much higher than I used to in order to have a better push-off each time I propel myself forward.
Another tip I have learned is to "run tall." I've heard this term multiple times, and I'm just now incorporating it into how I run. It means to keep your body straight as if you had a pole for a spine.
Also keep your chest out to improve breathing and chin up so that your throat is more open.
At the end of the day, all that matters is getting out there to sweat, but reminding yourself of these little tips might help you steer clear of any damage!
