Benefits of Running and How To Start

So, you’ve read about the benefits of running, you’ve got some trainers, where do you start?

It’s the time of year when many people turn their attention to taking up a new activity or setting a new fitness goal, and running is a common one!

Here’s some top tips from our Sports Therapist, Tom.

If you’ve never run before, don’t let fear of the unknown stop you. Make it easy by following these few steps.

  1. Only start running once you have spent at least two weeks (or are already comfortable exercising regularly) walking or doing another form of exercise for about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. This will help increase your overall activity in preparation for running.
  2. Begin with walk:runs. By adding short bouts of running in to your regular walks you’ll feel stronger, run further and help stop injuries developing. There are lot’s of apps and programmes out there to guide you on this. Eastleigh Borough Council’s SportsWorks are also starting a Couch to 5k programme as part of their ‘New Year, New You’ initiative. It starts on 7th January 2018
  3. A good starting point is adding one minute of running for every four minutes of walking, gradually increasing your running time until you are running for twice the amount of time that you spend walking.
  4. Buy a decent pair of running shoes and replace them every 300-500 miles. Worn out shoes are one of the leading causes of injuries amongst runners. Visit a specialist retailer who can analyse your running technique such as Up & Running, Alton Sports or Alexandra Sports.
  5. Set yourself a goal – time or distance, or an event such as a Parkrun.

If you need any help or support or want to sort out a longstanding or niggling injury before embarking on running, get in touch. Our team are here to help and support you on your running journey, every step of the way.


Reviews

What They Say​

Antonia Perez
Antonia Perez
2023-11-25
We got an appointment promptly, the appointment went smoothly. Very nice physios. 👌
Fran Helen
Fran Helen
2023-11-06
Really knowledgeable and supportive, with clear advice to help. I feel so reassured after this appointment, highly recommended, they really listened to me. Thank you.
Brenda Hinnell
Brenda Hinnell
2023-10-27
First visit and in urgent need of physio as really suffering from not being able to run. Lottie was very patient and understanding with a lovely manner. She worked wonders and I am looking forward to my next visit.
James Grierson
James Grierson
2023-10-21
Great first appointment, really listened to my problems annd thorough anssessment and have come up with a clear rehab plan to get me back on track.
Nuisha Russo
Nuisha Russo
2023-10-21
I had a really good visit to GoPhysio. I have had sciatica for two months and it wasn't showing any signs of improvement. Sophie gave me a thorough assessment and then provided acupuncture and ultra sound. After one visit my sciatica has almost gone. I am really pleased.
kay luffman
kay luffman
2023-10-08
Everyone at go physio is so helpful & friendly. I have been receiving treatment for golfers elbow from Hannah Gelder, and couldn’t be happier, I wish I had gone earlier! She explains everything well, and guides you through exercises etc. very amiable and makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend
Chris Kitchen
Chris Kitchen
2023-10-07
They are a great friendly team who always manage to sort my sports injuries out. Can recommend them highly
Mark Dewey
Mark Dewey
2023-10-05
Go Physio definitely the place to go, came away feeling better and reassured and with a plan going forward.
Christine Raw
Christine Raw
2023-10-05
Very professional service and excellent treatment. Listened and gave good advice.
Kay Horton
Kay Horton
2023-10-05
I have been attending goPhysio for about two years. As a company they are very professional and provide a very good level of service to include efficiency and courtesy and are always consistent in their approach. This very much includes the admin /reception team whom are the first people you make contact with. My Physio has excellent knowledge and has assisted me with sound advice and ongoing exercise regimes which are achievable and realistic. This has supported me well in between appointments. Although always busy I am normally able to see Roz at a mutually convenient time. Thank you to all the team