The health benefits of running are truly endless. Run provides a great cardiovascular workout, can improve your mood and, when done regularly, can even help extend your lifeaccording to Harvard Health Journal. But you may have some bad running habits that are rapidly aging your body. Read on to make sure you don’t!
According to Dr Mike Bohl, the Director of Medical Content and Education at Ro and a certified personal trainer, not wearing proper running shoes is totally bad for you. He notes, “There are many different types of running shoes, and when choosing a running shoe, you need to think about things like flexibility, support, and comfort.”
Not wearing proper athletic shoes puts you at risk of injury or running with poor posture. Dr. Bohl warns: “You can develop pain in your knee, hip, or back, irritate your Achilles tendon, irritate the connective tissue on the bottom of your foot (the fascia), or you can even twist your ankle.”
Related: Healthy habits to live to 100, according to a 100-year-old runner
Another bad habit some runners have is not fueling their body with enough fuel before and after hitting the pavement. Dr. Bohl explains: “Running requires a lot of energy, so it’s important to energize yourself before you run so you don’t burn out. Exhaustion can cause fatigue, can make it take you longer to recover, and increases your chances of experiencing injury.” Be sure to have a carbohydrate-rich snack before you run and another afterward to replenish your energy stores.”
Related: Trainer Reveals Bad Fitness Habits That Are Rapidly Aging Your Body
The next step on this list of bad running habits that are getting old fast is your body not cooling down properly after running. The proper way to cool down is to gradually slow down to a walking pace as you near the end of a run. “This will help reset the muscles and prepare them for normal activity again, which can help with recovery,” explains Dr. Bohl.
The best thing a runner can do to stay young? Keep running! Dr. Bohl adds: “Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to exercise and stay fit in old age, and will help maintain mobility and strong muscles and bones.” So lace up your running shoes soon and hit the pavement!
alexa mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Associate Editor for Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel, and providing readers with engaging topics on fitness, wellness, and personal care. Read more about Alexa
