Ballet Dancers

So you’ve decided to take up running? Maybe you are starting back up after putting it off for years. Here is a list of tips that I have found beneficial to the starting runner or even the seasoned pro.

1. STRETCH THOSE LEGS AND FEET -BEFORE AND AFTER - Stretching is the number one thing to remember in any running program. Keep your muscles flexible and relaxed, your joints mobile, and relieve tension and strain by doing a few gentle stretches before AND AFTER your run. I cannot stress enough how important it is to stretch after the run and to cool down. I have found most new runners miss this vital step in their exercise program.

You don’t want to start off doing too much too soon. Build your body up while you prepare yourself to meet the demands that you are about to ask from your body. Make sure to loosen up your hamstrings, quads, calves, iliotibial (IT) band, hips, buttocks and the plantar fascia (area at the bottom of your feet between the heel and ball of foot). Stretch until you feel tension but not pain. NEVER bounce because this can tear your muscles and cause more serious problems.

2. POSTURE! POSTURE! POSTURE! - This isn’t finishing school, but the principal is the same. Running gets your whole body in motion and the proper posture and body mechanics will help reduce the strain on your body.

Keep your body perpendicular to the ground. Don’t lean into it. Hopefully you aren’t running into wind tunnel.

Swing your arms naturally and go with the flow.

BREATHE! How many martial art movies do you need to see to know this is important??? Never stop breathing. Oxygenate the blood. Feed your muscles. BREATHE!

Your feet should hit naturally on your heel, roll forward and push off with your metatarsals (the area we call the ball of the foot). It should just feel right. Make sure the soles of your shoes aren’t worn down in the heel or on the sides. This could cause you to hurt yourself and take away from the natural progression of your stride.

Don’t pick your feet up too far. This is running, not a marching band tryout. By keeping your feet closer to the ground an increasing your stride, you will reduce muscle fatigue.

3. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR PROTECTION - As you start up your running routine, you are going to find out that aches and pains are a typical reality that we all must face. However, this doesn’t have to be the end of your run if you just take the proper precautions. Keep these simple rules in mind when you begin your program and you should be good to go for a long time!

Hydrate yourself: Drink lots of water before, during, and after your run. People perspire, it’s a fact, but if you let yourself dehydrate, you will be in for a world of hurt. I like to bring a water bottle with me on my runs for those mid-stride liquid replacements. It’s a good idea to drink 2-5 cups per hour during your run. Note, every person perspires at a different rate. If you happen to be someone who leaks sweat like a sieve, drink more water. Don’t forget to fill up again once you are done stretching, too.

If you are running in a colder climate, layer your clothing. We all know it gets hot under all those clothes, but you have to slow the rate of heat loss. You’ll want to wear some sort of moisture-wicking material. I like to wear fleece. But there are other brands out there like Polartec. Also, ALWAYS wear a hat!

I prefer to run on paved trails in our local park system, but if you find yourself running in areas where there is the potential for traffic, please remember to wear bright clothing and if you must run at night (which I wouldn’t suggest) wear reflective garments to increase your safety.

4. REDUCE STRAIN - Running takes its’ toll on a person’s body. It’s good to switch out different activities. Besides running, try other cardio-exercises like bicycling or swimming. Your body will thank you and it can break down on the monotony. Pain is the body’s signal that something is wrong. If the pain gets worse after your run, it’s time to take some time off. Don’t swallow a couple of aspirin and think you are good to go.’

Definitely take care of your feet! A good pair of running shoes is essential for preventing injury. You have to find the pair that’s best for you. Change them out often because the soles will wear down quickly.

And while you are at it, don’t forget the orthotics. The insoles that come in your shoes are usually very cheap and only meant for about 20 miles of wear. If you are like me, that’s one week! Proper orthotics provide cushioning and support and reduce a huge amount of strain from your whole body - not just your feet. While custom orthotics are available, I wear a brand that offers a selection for arch type and are made with a silver material that reduces blisters and athlete’s foot. If you are interested, you can see them at www.footdefense.com.

5. CALL YOUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL -In business, it’s always best to hire a consultant. So why, when you start doing something as important as your health wouldn’t you speak to an expert in the body? A medical professional can help with any injury and return you to your running program as well as advise you on hurting yourself again.

In closing, please remember that safety should come first. Be aware of your surroundings, the people that you run with, and most importantly, your own well-being?

James Fowler is a free-lance writer who lives in Northeast Ohio with his wife, Maggie. You can contact him at fowler.james@gmail.com

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In the U.S., over 80 million people participate in exercise walking. It is no surprise that Americans have made exercise walking their top sport. But, many exercise walkers end up with injuries to their feet because they do not take the appropriate steps to prevent foot problems. Working into a walking program gradually, with the right pair of shoes, can make the difference between spending time enjoying the outdoors, or spending time on the couch nursing a sore foot. Exercise walkers should use the following tips to help prevent foot problems:

1. Buy a shoe made for walking. Make sure the shoe has enough stability and support. Grab the shoe at the toe and the heel. Try to twist the shoe by turning one hand clockwise and the other hand counter clockwise. Try to bend the shoe. If you can twist the shoe or fold the shoe in half, it is too flexible. Make sure the shoe has enough room at the toes and is fitted well at the heel.

2. Choose soft surfaces. Walking on a track or a trail will decrease the impact on your feet and legs. Cement can be a particularly hard surface for walking.

A new walking trend is to do laps in the local mall. Although this can be a safe and easy alternative to busy suburban streets, mall floor are usually made of linoleum overlying cement, which is a very unforgiving surface. If you are walking on this surface, make sure your shoes have enough shock absorption. Don’t do too many laps too quickly. Work into this as you would any other routine and pay attention to injury.

3. Start on flat surfaces. Do not start a walking program walking on hills or stairs.

4. Start with a short distance. Although this may seem obvious, many individuals will jump right into longer distances they did when they were younger. They then become injured and cannot walk for weeks.

Stick with your initial distance for a week. If you are pain free and injury free, increase the distance the following week. Start with an easy pace. Increase your pace gradually.

5. Limit your time on the treadmill. Treadmills can contribute to the development of foot problems. Start with the treadmill flat and at a slow pace. Slowly increase your pace each week. Increase the incline after you have reached a comfortable pace.

6. Stop if you feel foot or ankle pain. Don’t try to walk through the pain.

7. Examine your feet. Look for areas of rub or irritation the first few weeks of your walking program and then again after trying new shoes or socks. Moleskin can be placed on areas of irritation to help decrease friction. Do not use Band-Aids on these areas.

8. Consider wearing orthotics. Individuals with flat feet may need inserts for their shoes. When buying inserts, look for sport orthotics, as opposed to cushioned insoles. You will need to purchase these at your local sports store. A more rigid insert will offer more support. Custom orthotics can be made by a podiatrist, if necessary.

9. Avoid cotton socks. Synthetic socks decrease friction, prevent excess rubbing and don’t absorb moisture. Your local running store or sports store should carry a variety of new high-tech socks for walking.

10. Consult your podiatrist if you start to develop pain when walking, or consider a visit before embarking on your new walking program.

Christine Dobrowolski is a podiatrist and the author of Those Aching Feet: Your Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Foot Problems. To learn more about Dr. Dobrowolski and her book visit http://www.skipublishing.com For information on foot products, visit http://www.northcoastfootcare.com

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Before putting on those sexy, comfortable open toe shoes make sure your feet skin is in good condition. With these easy nine steps you too will have silky feet. So go ahead get ready to do your own pedicure.soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in warm water containing Epsom salt or foot soak

Use a pumice stone, exfoliating scrub to gently scrub the soles of your all over your feet and heel to remove dead skin.

Dry your feet.

Trim your toenails and push back cuticles.

Rinse feet once again and pat dry.

Massage feet with plenty of foot lotion. Body lotion, petroleum jelly or cream can be use to replace foot lotion.

Wrap feet on plastic bags and cover for at least 15 minutes.

Paint toe nails. Make sure to apply at least to coats of nail polish and a top coat of clear nail polish to give it more shine. Give it enough time to dry, before putting on any shoes. If you put on shoes too soon your pedicure will get ruin.

Enjoy your self given & low cost pedicure!

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the owner and publisher of online magazine ” For Every Aspect Of Today’s Woman”. To find more beauty tips and other women related issues and topics visit her site at http://www.kpatra.com

keniamorales@kpatra.com

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