If there is a simple exercise that conditions every major area of the body then jogging for health and fitness has to be at the top of the list.
A jog, out on the street or the local park, wearing comfortable clothing can be started as easily as today.
In addition, having the company of a friend who shares similar ideals will, not only provide an extra boost of motivation and support, but make the effort worthwhile and enjoyable.
Although the aim of this topic is more about taking the first step towards becoming fit and healthy there will be additional subject areas that will be expanded upon in more detail in the future.
For example, the importance of the warm up and cool down process is a topic in itself. However the following explanation will suffice for this article.
The Warm Up And Cool Down Phase
The objective of the warm up is to prepare the cardiovascular system, for the physical intensity that is about to take place, by increasing body temperature and blood flow to the muscles.
The cool down process is the opposite of the warm up phase whereby the level of activity is gradually reduced to a stop.
This in turn will prevent the risk of muscle soreness and potential injury.
A simple 3 minute pre-warm up exercise can begin with opposite toe touches, walking lunges, jumping jacks and a brisk walk.
Cooling down will involve reducing the pace of the jog as one comes to a stop.
Getting Started
When it comes to making a start it is advisable to take the SMART approach to accomplish one’s goals. Devise a simple yet realistic plan as a starting point.
For example, if it’s easier to take a jog around the block with a friend, than to go to the gym or park, then maintain your motivation and focus by making a start.
When one becomes accustomed to the distance and jogging pace then incremental changes can be made.
So What Parts Of The Body Benefit From Jogging?
Maintaining A Healthy Heart
Think of the heart as a muscle. To keep this muscle strong requires doing an activity that raises the heart rate in a comfortable, safe and controlled manner.
Jogging for health and fitness is an excellent way to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Strong Legs And Toned Arms
Having a fitness routine that incorporates jogging on a regular basis will strengthen the major muscle groups in the legs.
The hamstrings are a group of three muscles in the back of the thigh beginning from the pelvis to the knee.
The quadriceps (quads) is a large muscle group covering the front and sides of the thigh.
The gluteal (glutes) muscles are three muscles that form the buttocks.
And finally the calf muscle.
Jogging To Reduce Belly Fat
There are literally tens of thousands of articles online about how to shed belly fat.
As stated before the aim of this site is to take a simple holistic approach to achieve our health and fitness goals.
So with that being said let’s look at this situation from a different perspective.
Jogging as an exercise by itself increases the body’s metabolism which plays a role in burning calories faster and therefore as a result helps to reduce belly fat.
However to capitalise on this benefit further abdominal defining exercises such as sit ups, crunches and press ups should be incorporated in to one’s fitness programme.
Finally a key ingredient to achieving one’s fitness goals is in eating a well balanced diet that provides all the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Be SMART, stay motivated and begin your journey towards jogging for health and fitness.
