How to Start Jogging

How to start jogging depends on a few factors, such as your age, weight and current general health. You also have to make some important decisions when it comes to your gear, especially your shoes. Finally, whether you're a fit teen or an overweight 40-something, it's a good idea to approach the issue from a long-term perspective; overdoing it in the first few weeks with resulting injuries can turn the whole initiative sour in a hurry. This article helps you put together a complete starter package for your jogging efforts.

Buying the Right Gear

The single most important purchase is your shoes. Getting shoes that really fit and give your feet the support they need should be given serious concern. Forget those cheap $20 Wal-mart sneakers you pull on once in a while when shooting hoops in the back yard. Expect to spend upwards of $100 or more. Go to a reputable store where the clerks actually have a clue; their expertise can prove invaluable, especially if you have feet that are not textbook average.

Your feet may require insoles for extra support, or perhaps just a little extra shock absorption to be nice to your skeleton. There are many excellent gel compounds that don't elevate you too much (thus making your ankles more prone to injury) yet provide excellent padding.

It may also be worth spending a few extra bucks on quality socks. Not only do these provide extra comfort, but often come with odor-inhibiting features that help prevent the paint from peeling off the walls when you return from your jog in summer.

For the rest, just dress comfortably with clothes large enough not to restrict your range of motion at any time. Many serious joggers like to carry belts with a series of small water bottles to stay hydrated in the summer. If you're in a hot climate, this may be a good idea. The small bottles doesn't affect your movements and don't mess with your balance.

How to Start Jogging for the Long Haul

As always, it's wise to check with your doctor before jumping into an exercise program. Having said that, your current situation greatly affects how you should start out. If you're used to regular exercise and are merely moving into a new area, hitting the five-mile trail right out of the gate is probably perfectly fine. If you're overweight, sedentary, have a medical condition, or are getting up there in years, you should pace yourself, however.

Start Light

In this case, start easy and do shorter, light jogs a couple days a week for the first month. Huff and puff a little, break a sweat, but that's about it. It may feel like you're holding back, but don't let the frustration get to you; what you're really doing is giving your body a heads-up that there's change coming, giving it a chance to adapt accordingly. Then, gradually crank up the speed and length of your jogs, paying close attention to your body's feedback.

Warm Up and Stretch

Finally, no advice on how to start jogging would be complete without the warm up/stretching factor. This, perhaps more than anything else, will help you stay in the game for the long haul. Warming up for five minutes before starting your jog will reduce your risk of injury dramatically, and stretching afterwards will keep your muscles from growing shorter and stiffer, thus laying the groundwork for future problems. The single biggest threat to your jogging progress is injury, and you should make an effort to start good habits to combat this threat right now.

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