With temperatures having risen and summer having well and truly arrive, most of us will be tempted to take up jogging to make the most of the sun. From toning your body to helping to combat stress, jogging has proven the test of time.
Hugh Hanley, Virgin Active's National Personal Training Manager, reveals his top tips for getting the most out of your running session, and why it's so important to have proper running shoes.
Scroll below for the full list of tips
Running can help to combat stress and tone your body
Look ahead
Don't stare at your feet, keeping your focus 10-30 feet ahead to help you stay focused.
Land mid-foot
If you land on your toes, your calves can tighten, while if you land on your heels you can risk over-striding which may cause injury.
Check your posture
Keep your posture straight and erect. Your head should be up, your back straight, and shoulders level. Make sure you concentrate on your posture – as fatigue sets in, people will tend to lean forward.
Good posture is key to getting the most out of your run
Know your running gait
Put simply, your running gait is the way in which you run. If your setup is incorrect, your trainers can wear unevenly and place stress on your legs – by choosing the right shoes, you can redress the imbalance and greatly reduce the risk of injuries from ankle to hip pain.
Make sure you have the proper footwear
This can help you find the proper running shoe for your anatomy and stride – most stores offer this service if you ask. Gait analysis can help you to determine if orthotics or shoe inserts would be beneficial.
Check your running technique
Running abnormalities are east to correct with proper exercise and/or stretching.
For more information head to virginactive.co.uk