David Dack, Author at Runner's Blueprint

Top 7 Hip Stretches For Runners

September 21, 2023September 22, 2016 by David Dack

Looking for some of the best hip stretches for runners?

You’re in the right place.

In today’s article I’ll show you how to stretch your hips in a safe and comfortable way. But first things first, let’s talk about why you need to add a few hip opening stretches to your training routine.

Let’s delve deeper…

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I’d use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own.

What Are The Hip Flexors?

Located near the top of your thighs, the hip flexors consist of a group of muscles and tendons on the front—anterior—of your hip joint, connecting your legs to your pelvis.

When contracted, your hip flexors let you raise your knees or bend at the hip.

The primary hip flexor muscles are the psoas major and the iliacus— collectively known as the iliopsoas, (usually the weakest of all of the muscles).

Other hip flexor muscles include the sartorius, tensor fascia latae, and rectus femoris.

See image.

And here’s how they look like :

Source – Wikipedia

The Functions Of the Hip Flexors

The hip flexor muscles are used in every stride when walking, running, and sprinting.

These allow you to walk, run, bend kick, and swivel your hips.

Your hip flexors are contracted on every step forward.

The more miles you log in, the more you put them to work.

Some of the main functions:

Bringing the thighs up toward the chest.
Driving the knees up and down.
Maintaining proper running form.
Moving the legs from side to side and front to back.
Stabilizing the pelvis.

Causes of Hip Issues

The hips is just one region of the body that’s prone to tightness if you’re a runner.

Running’s repetitive nature means that you’re constantly working the hip flexors and extensors through a very small range of motion.

So it’s not surprising that hip pain from running is such a common issue.

Add to this the fact that, thanks to our sedentary lifestyle, we spend the bulk of our time sitting—roughly a third of the day.

When you spend a lot of time in a seated position, your hip flexors are kept in a shortened position more than they should be, which, in turn, makes them super tight.

This has huge negative effects on your posture, spinal stability, and gait.

Ramifications of Tightness

Tightness in the hip flexors results in an exaggerated anterior pelvic tilt.

This occurs when the arch of the lower back increases while the backside stick out more.

The tighter your hip flexors get, the more your pelvis tilts back and the more likely you’re to lean forward—as in stick out your butt and arch your back—while running.

Not only this is bad form, but can also set you up for back pain and serious injury. And you want none of that.

For more on the research conducted on hip muscle tightness and overuse injury, check the following studies:

Study 1

Study 2

Study 3

Study 4

How To Test Your Hip Flexor Flexibility

Wondering if your hips are too tight—or loose enough? Take the Thomas test.

Also known as Iliacus test or Iliopsoas Test, this test is used to measure the flexibility of the hip flexors—more specifically, that of the iliopsoas muscle group, the pectineus, Rectus Femoris, gracillus as well as the Sartorius and Tensor Fascia.

Proper form

Start by laying or sitting at the very edge of a table or bent, with the tailbone resting at the edge.

Then, roll back onto the table while pulling both knees to your chest.

This helps ensure that your lumbar spine is flat on the table and your pelvis is posteriorly rotated.

Next, hold the opposite hip in maximum flexor with the arms, while the assessed limb hang down toward the floor.

Last up, perform on both sides and compare.

Results

If your left leg lower backs, and sacrum remain flat on the table with the knee bending to 70 to 90 degrees, kudos…you don’t have tight hip flexors.

However, if one of your thighs or legs stay up drastically higher than the other, then you do have tight hips, and regular hip openning stretches are required.

Now that you know a thing or two about the importance of hip stretches for runners, let’s get to the exercises themselves.

Top 7 Hip Stretches For Runners

Fortunately, there’s is an abundance of good hip openining stretches that you can perform at home to decrease tightness, relieve pain, and increase mobility in your hips.

You won’t need to join a gym, buy a lot of expensive equipment or even leave the comfort of your home to perform the following hip flexors exercises.

Enjoy!

Hip Stretch for Runner – 1. Pigeon

Also known as Eka pada rajakapotasana, this is a famous yoga pose, and one of the most effective hip flexors stretches, especially the hip abductors.

Proper Form

Begin by sitting with your right knee bent and left leg stretched behind you.

Next, while making sure that your left hip is always pointing toward the mat, drag your right heel toward your left hip.

Then rest your hands on your right thigh or your hips, then walk your hands out in front of you, and lower your hips down toward the floor over your right knee.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.

Be sure to breathe into any area of discomfort or tension.

Repeat on the other side.

Hip Stretch for Runner – 2. Lunge Hip Flexor Stretch

One of the best best hip stretches for runners that not only targets most of the muscles in the hips, but it’s also ideal for stretching the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps.

Proper Form

Assume a lunge position with your right knee forward.

Next, drop your left knee to the ground, and place your hands on your right knee or the floor under your shoulders, according to your flexibility level.

Be sure to keep your upper body tall, and core engaged the entire time.

Then, while keeping your front knee directly above your ankle, hold the position for 30 seconds to one minute, and feel the stretch in your left hip flexor.

Change sides and repeat.

Hip Stretch for Runner – 3. Happy Baby

Also known as Ananda Balasana in the yogic circles, this relaxing hip stretch also targets the lower back and the hamstrings.

Proper Form

Lay flat on your back with both knees bent while gently holding the outside edges of your feet with your hands.

Next, while keeping your arms on the outside of your legs, press both knees to the ground below your armpits.

Feel free to rock lightly from side to side if that feels good.

Hold the pose for at least one minute, then move to the next stretch.

Hip Stretch for Runner – 4. Butterfly

A powerful hip opener that also stretches the glutes and the inner thighs.

Proper Form

Assume a cross-legged seated position with the soles of the feet pressed together.

Next, while grabbing your ankles, lengthen your spine upward, draw your belly button inward then slowly fold forward from your hips with a deep exhale.

Focus on your inner thighs and be sure to breathe into that area to release any tension or discomfort.

For more stretch, feel free to crawl your hands forward away from your body.

Hold the pose for one minute then slowly release and move to the next stretch.

Hip Stretch for Runner – 5. Extended Wide Squat

Not only this hip opening stretch is ideal for the hip abductors, but also increase mobility in the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes.

Proper Form

Assume a standing position, with the feet slightly wider than your hips, toes pointing out so that hips are open.

Next, while keeping your back flat and core engaged, slowly bend your knees and lower your hips toward the floor.

For more stretch, place your elbows inside of your thighs, gently pressing them out against the inside of your knees.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute then slowly release back to standing position.

Hip Stretch for Runner – 6. Frog Hip Stretch

This simple pose stretches and opens up the the hip abductors, the insides of the thighs, and the groin.

If you have any recent leg, hip or knee injury, be careful with this one.

Proper Form

This is one of my favorite hip flexor stretches.

Assume an all fours position with hands and knee in a tabletop position, then bring your forearms onto the mat or a yoga block.

Next, slowly slide both knees away from your body and widen them out as far as possible as you lower your chest and hips toward the floor.

Hold the position for one to two minutes then slowly release it and move to the next stretch.

Hip Stretch for Runner – 7. Standing Wide-Legged Split

This stretch will not only target your hips but also opens up your inner thighs and hamstrings.

Proper Form

Begin by sitting up tall with the feet three to four feet apart, heels a bit wider than the toes.

Next, while keeping the soles of your feet flat on the floor and torso long, fold forward from the hips and place your hands on a yoga block or mat right below your shoulders.

Hold the pose for 30 seconds to one minute.

If your flexibility allows it, feel free to lower onto forearms for a deeper hips stretch.

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Top 7 Hip Stretches For Runners – The Conclusion

There you have it!

The above hip flexor stretches for runners are all you need for to open your hip flexors and keep flexible for the long haul.

Just make sure to do them on a regular basis. The rest is just detail.

How to Protect Yourself From Dogs While Running

December 31, 2024September 22, 2016 by David Dack

Looking on advice on how to protect yourself from dogs while running? Then you’re in the right place.

Imagine yourself enjoying a run on the trails or around the neighborhood when, and out of nowhere, a hostile dog runs up to you at light speed with fangs barred and bad intentions.

Do you know what you should do?

If your answer is no, then keep on reading…

As much as I love dogs—and all animals for that matters—I don’t really like being chased, or attacked, by them while running.

In fact, dogs can be a runner’s worst nightmare when they go on the offense.

In fact, every outdoor junkie—whether it’s a runner, a biker, walker, etc. —has a story about an up-close-and-personal-encounter with a hostile dog.

And this is no news.

There are plenty of stories about runners who were injured by dogs while hitting the pavement.

Take, for instance, this tragic story of the 63-year old woman who was mauled to death by four dogs during her morning jog in Palmdale, or Littlerock, California.

Of course, these attacks are not everyday occurrences, but it’s well worth the effort to know how to proceed in the off chance of a dangerous encounter.

The Statistics

About 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and out of those incidents, 1 out of 5 ends up in the emergency room and requires medical attention, and 17 result in death according to the American Human Association, with roughly 55 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the US committed by pit bulls

Therefore, learning how to handle the situation is of utmost importance—especially if you do a lot of outdoor running in not-so-safe and/or unfamiliar areas.

how to Protect Yourself From Dogs While Running

As you already know, prevention is better than cure, so before showing you how to fend yourself off a vicious dog, it’s crucial to look at ways you can avoid such encounter completely. And of course, these measures aren’t just about using a dog repellent spray for runners.

Here are a few ways to help you avoid a violent clash with an angry four-legged tail-wager.

Know your Route

This shall come as no surprise, but the best advice I can ever give you when it comes to avoiding dog attacks, is to be aware of your environment, period.

Here is how to increase your awareness while hitting the pavement:

Keep your eyes on the route ahead of you. If you spot one in the distance, be sure to keep a safe distance between your and a dog—even on lead— change direction or simply cross the street.
Avoid running in areas where there are dogs on the loose or where neglectful owners don’t provide their dogs with enough care and attention, allowing them to roam freely.
Run distraction free. Leave your headphones at home as doing so can help stay aware and be conscious and aware of your surroundings, especially in not-so-safe and/or unfamiliar areas

Read their Body Language

In most cases, reading the dog’s body language will tell you everything you need to know about how to proceed.

So learn to recognize the warning signs of an impending attack so you can get safe while you can—with your limbs intact.

Here are some of the telltale signs you need to keep an eye on:

Tense body with the hackles—the area between the tail and shoulders—up and ears erect.
Loud growling
Furrowed brows
Drooling from the mouth
Flicking tongue
Backing away while growling
Stiff tail, or held high and wagging faster than normal.
Intense stare with eyes wide with rage

If any (or a combination) of the above is on the scene, be sure to put a safe amount of space between you and the dog.

In Case You are Chased…

If and only if things escalate and you couldn’t avoid the attack, do the following:

Stop in Your Tracks

The first thing you need to do is to calm down, stop running, and stand still with your arms folded across your chest to not activate the dog’s prey drive —according to most dogs’ experts, this is the best approach.

Even if every cell in your body wants to run in the other direction, you need to fight that and stand your ground.

Bolting in the other direction will only make things worse.

The only scenario in which you should keep on moving and running is if you know that you can get behind a barrier, such as a car, bench, or tree to separate you from the dog.

Otherwise, stand still and control your nerves.

No Eye Contact

Looking straight into the dog’s eyes can feel threatening to most dogs out there, which will only make them more aggressive and territorial.

Therefore, be sure to avert your eyes but keep the dog in your peripheral vision the entire time.

But as a rule of thumb, never turn your back to the dog as it can be interpreted as a sign of weakness.

Use the Right Commands

If the dog persists, face him and while using a deep and firm voice, command him to “back away” using a strong and confident voice.

If the owner is close by, call them.

Hopefully, he’ll intervene and call off the dog.

Check this youtube clip for more tips on using commands:

If You Got Attacked – How To Handle it The Right Way

If all else fails, it’s time to on defensive mode and protect yourself.

Here is what you need to do here;

Try a Dog Repellent Spray For Runners

Spraying an attacking dog with mace is one of the things you can do to stop the attack in its track. This might be the best weapon to defend against dog attack

Of course, this might sound terrible, but this option actually doesn’t hurt the dog, and will really save you a lot of trouble.

However, this is not a fool-proof solution.

Factors like wind speed, your aim and your mental and emotional state have a say, and in some cases, you could end up making the dog more aggressive if you don’t know how to the use pepper spray right.

Hence, I don’t think it’s the all end of all your prayers when it comes to dealing with dogs attacks—but it is still an option to consider.

Even so, if you are serious about this option, then be sure to look for dog repellent when you are scouting the market for a pepper spray.

These are designed to fend off attacking dogs.

Give it Something to Chew On

If it’s possible, give the dog something to chew on.

It’s better than tearing up your own flesh.

Therefore, put something between the dog’s teeth and your body.

This could be a loose fitting piece of fabric, your jacket sleeves, a stick, or anything that could separate the two of you.

If the worse happen, and the dog is inches away from biting you, let it bite your shins or forearms—that is better than getting bitten in your face, throat, or any other sensible area.

And do your best not to panic.

Do Not Pull Away – Fight Back

Whatever you do, do not pull away as that will only tear the skin and make things worse.

Instead, defend yourself by kicking or hitting the dog in the back of the head, nose or throat, busting its head, choking it, breaking its knee, etc.

If you have a heavy object or a weapon, like a stick, rock, brick, you should use it to hit the dog and keep using it until the dog retreats or loses consciousness.

Also, as you are fighting the dog, be sure to yell for help.

Yell something that you know will have others attention, such as “TERRORIST!” “FIRE!”

Roll into a ball

This is the worst case scenario, so pay special attention to this, probably life-saving, advice:

If the dog takes you down, curl into a ball by tucking your knees and placing your hands behind your neck to cover your head, making sure to protect the soft tissue areas such as your face, throat, and belly.

Also, make sure to keep your hands in a fist to guard your fingers.

Post Bites Measures

If you got bitten, then the first thing you need to do when you get home is to wash the wound carefully with warm water and soap to gently cleanse it and examine it.

If it’s nothing serious, treat it yourself and dress the bite using a topical antibacterial such as bacitracin and a sterile band-aid or sterile bandage.

Next, keep cleaning the wound every 24 hours while looking thoroughly for any signs of infection, including increasing swelling, redness, warmth, oozing pus or drainage—these are the warning signs of infection, and you should see a doctor and get checked out if any of these symptoms arise.

Nonetheless, to err on the right side, a visit to the doctor is the right course of action if you ask me.

Better be safe than sorry.

The doctor will be able to assess the injury better.

In most cases, he might suggest you take antibiotics to prevent infection and receive a tetanus shot, or a series of preventative shots called rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Report It

Yes, snitch on the dog.

Report the incident to your local police department, animal control as well to the owners, if you can find them, immediately after the attack.

Also, be sure to talk with the owner.

Start with a genuine attitude.

Perhaps the whole accident was a once-in-a-lifetime thing and won’t happen again.

Nonetheless, if the owner is a complete a$$hole, then you MUST take things to the next level.

And in case you got hurt badly, consider taking legal action against the owners—that will teach them something.

Dogs can be a danger to the community should they be neglected.

Here’s the full guide to preventing animal attacks while running.

Top 6 Bike Workouts for Runners

November 23, 2024May 5, 2016 by David Dack

If you’re a runner and want to add cycling to your routine, you’ve come to the right place!

Here’s the truth.

Just because you’re passionate about running doesn’t mean you should ignore the benefits of other forms of training—especially cycling.

Cycling can make you a faster, stronger, and less injury-prone runner.

It’s one of the best cross-training options available, and today, I will break it all down for you.

Keep on reading if you’re curious about adding a cycling routine to your training plan.

The Benefits of Cycling for Runners

Cycling is hands down one of the best cross-training exercises for runners, whether you’re looking to take it seriously or just want to use it to supplement your running routine.

Here’s why:

Targets key running muscles: Cycling strengthens the major leg muscles essential for running, like your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. These muscles are critical for strong and efficient running.
Low impact: Unlike running, cycling is non-load-bearing, meaning your joints bear much less weight while your muscles do most of the work. This is a fantastic way to build strength and endurance without putting unnecessary stress on your knees, ankles, or hips.
Improves leg turnover: A high cycling cadence (around 90 revolutions per minute or more) helps improve your leg turnover when running. If you’ve ever struggled with sluggish, heavy-feeling legs during a run, cycling can help you shake that off by teaching your legs to move quickly and efficiently.
Variety of workouts: Just like running, cycling offers a wide range of workout options. You can do intervals, tempo rides, hill climbs, long endurance rides, and recovery spins. This variety helps build your aerobic base, muscular endurance, and overall cardiovascular fitness—all of which are key for running success.
Great for recovery: Cycling can serve as an excellent active recovery workout. After a tough run, hopping on the bike for an easy spin can increase blood flow to your tired muscles, reduce stiffness, and help you recover faster without adding more stress to your body.

Research-Backed Benefits of Cycling for Runners

Wondering if cycling can really make a difference in your running? Studies say yes! Cross-training with cycling offers unique benefits that support both your endurance and recovery—two key factors for improving your performance as a runner. Here’s a look at what the research says.

Improving Running Economy

Running economy, or the energy you use at a given pace, is crucial for efficient running, especially over long distances. Research published in the Journal of Sports Science shows that cross-training with cycling can improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, which contribute to a more efficient running stride. Cycling focuses on muscle groups like the quads, glutes, and calves, which power your stride and help you maintain speed with less effort over time.

Reducing Injury Risk Through Low-Impact Conditioning

High-impact running can put stress on your joints and muscles, especially during high-mileage weeks. The Journal of Sports Medicine emphasizes that cross-training with cycling can enhance your aerobic fitness without the pounding of running, which is especially helpful if you’re managing minor injuries or looking to reduce injury risk. Cycling builds cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance while giving your joints a break, making it an ideal complement to your regular running schedule.

Cycling vs. Running: Which Muscles Are Working?

As a runner new to cycling, it’s important to understand how each sport uses different muscles.

In cycling, the primary muscles at work are the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. These muscles are responsible for generating power as you pedal. Cycling also works your glutes, hip flexors, and core to a lesser extent, especially when climbing hills or riding in the saddle for long periods.

In contrast, running primarily engages the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, glutes, iliopsoas, and core muscles. These muscles help with hip extension, knee flexion, and maintaining pelvis stability. Running is more of a full-body workout than cycling since you use your arms and upper body to help with momentum and balance.

Beginner’s Gear Guide for Cycling

Cycling requires more gear than running, but you don’t need to break the bank to get started.

When I decided to get serious about cycling, I had to face the reality that I needed my own bike. I walked into the bike shop with no clue what I was doing. The rows of shiny bikes were intimidating, and the price tags even more. I went for a solid entry-level road bike (nothing fancy, but it gets the job done) and some basic gear.

Let’s go over the essential items you’ll need:

A Bike: A good entry-level road bike will cost you around $1,000. But don’t worry; you can often find cheaper options online or by purchasing a second-hand bike. Make sure your bike fits you properly—just like you wouldn’t run in the wrong size shoes, a poorly fitting bike can cause discomfort and even injury.
Helmet: I cannot stress this enough. Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 50%. Accidents happen, and a helmet is a must whether you’re cycling on the road or on trails.
Cycling shoes:. Cycling shoes have stiff soles that prevent your feet from flexing too much, reducing the risk of pain and cramping, and they help transfer energy more efficiently into each pedal stroke.
Cycling shorts: Trust me—invest in padded cycling shorts. They will save your butt, quite literally, from discomfort. Proper cycling shorts will reduce saddle soreness and prevent chafing during long rides. Look for shorts made of wicking materials to keep you dry and comfortable.
Jersey: A cycling jersey helps regulate body temperature and wicks away sweat. Choose one that’s lightweight and brightly colored to make you more visible to other road users. Some jerseys come with zippers, making them easy to put on and adjust during hot rides.
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, especially during long rides. Install a frame-mounted bottle cage on your bike to make it easy to access your water during a ride.
Floor pump: Keep your tires properly inflated with a floor pump. This ensures a smooth ride and prevents unnecessary flats.

Cycling Safely: What You Need to Know

Before you hit the road, make sure you understand basic cycling safety.

Here are my best tips on how to stay safe out there:

Know the laws: Get familiar with local biking laws. These rules are in place to keep you safe and ensure smooth traffic interactions.
Stick to the road: Don’t ride on sidewalks—those are for pedestrians. Even if you’re going slowly, a bike on a sidewalk can be dangerous for walkers and runners.
Use bike lanes: If available, bike lanes provide extra space for cyclists. Stay alert for parked cars or vehicles pulling in and out of driveways.
Signal clearly: Communication is key for safety on the road. Use hand signals to indicate when you’re turning, changing lanes, or slowing down. This helps other road users know your intentions and reduces the risk of collisions.
Be aware: Just like running, cycling requires your full attention. Stay focused on your surroundings, especially in areas with heavy traffic or narrow roads.

Too much to digest?

Then I recommend riding with a cycling group or buddy until you get comfortable with the rules of the road.

Riding in groups is a great way to stay safe on the road while having fun riding the miles.

Should You Try a Spin Class?

A spin class is a fantastic alternative if road cycling doesn’t appeal to you or the weather isn’t cooperating.

Most gyms offer spin classes, and they’re a great way to get in a tough workout without worrying about road hazards.

Plus, spin classes come with the added benefit of structure—an instructor usually leads you through various intervals, climbs, and recovery sections.

All you need is your gym membership and a solid playlist to help you power through those tough spin sessions. It’s a great way to get the benefits of cycling in a safe, controlled environment.

Improving Your Cycling Form

Cycling might feel a little overwhelming at first, but like running, it’s a skill that improves with practice.

I learned a thing or two about proper cycling form. Here’s what you need to know:

Cadence: In cycling, cadence refers to how many revolutions your pedals make per minute. Aim for around 90 RPM for an efficient, smooth ride.
Relax: Avoid gripping the handlebars too tightly. Keep your upper body relaxed, which will help you conserve energy and ride more comfortably.
Shift gears early: Anticipate changes in terrain and shift gears before you need to. This is especially important when approaching hills or stoplights to avoid losing momentum.
Climbing technique: When climbing, adopt a more upright position with your hands on the bar tops. Focus on maintaining a steady cadence and use circular pedal strokes rather than pushing down hard on each pedal.
Brake smart: When you need to stop, use both the front and rear brakes to avoid skidding. Always apply pressure to both brakes gradually for a smooth stop.

Balancing Running and Cycling:

The key to balancing running and cycling is to avoid doing back-to-back hard sessions. You want to allow enough recovery time between workouts to avoid overloading your body.

When I started adding cycling into my running routine, I thought I could do it all—long runs, interval sessions, and intense bike rides.

But after a few weeks, my body started sending me some pretty clear signals that I was doing too much.

I felt drained, my performance was slipping, and I even started to feel little aches and pains creeping in. That’s when I realized I needed to be smarter about balancing both.

Now, I plan my week so that my runs and bike rides complement each other.

If I have a hard interval session in the morning, I’ll do an easy recovery ride in the evening. Or, if I’m hitting the hills on the bike, I’ll keep my running light for a couple of days.

Running and Cycling Training Plan

Here’s an example of a balanced weekly plan for running and cycling:

Sample Weekly Plan:

Monday: Easy recovery ride (45 minutes)
Tuesday: Interval run (speed work)
Wednesday: Endurance bike ride (60-90 minutes)
Thursday: Tempo run (moderate effort)
Friday: Cross-training (light cycling or swimming)
Saturday: Long run (90 minutes or more)
Sunday: Rest or active recovery (yoga, stretching)

Top 6 Bike Workouts for Runners

Here are a few of my favorite cycling workouts designed specifically for runners. These sessions will help improve your strength, endurance, and overall performance as a runner and cyclist.

The Road Bike Cycling Workout

Fartlek is a Swedish term that means “speed play.” First used by runners in the 30s, fartlek training has, over the last few decades, spread to other sports—including cycling.

You can perform this workout on flat sections or hills; just make sure you are biking on feel and picking up the pace now and then.

The Workout

10 minutes of easy biking to warm up and get ready, then do the following:

5 minutes of moderate biking
2 minutes sprint
4 minutes moderate
1-minute sprint
5 minutes moderate
3 minutes sprint
10 minutes of easy cooldown.

There is no magic formula for the perfect fartlek biking workout.

Feel free to let your creativity carry you forward, and remember to have fun.

It’s called “speed play” for a reason.

Endurance Ride Cycling Workout

The endurance workout is one of my favorite biking workouts—especially when I don’t feel like doing something intense but still get a sweat going.

The main goal of this session is to build endurance without causing too much fatigue.

You should feel the tension building in your muscles, but keep the speed at a conversational pace—meaning you can still talk without huffing and puffing.

The Workout

Start, like usual, with a 10-minute easy-paced pedaling to get you warmed and ready.

Next, aim to keep a steady cadence for the upcoming 45 to 60 minutes, shooting for an effort level of 6 to 7 on an effort scale of 1 to 10 and exercising at 60 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate.

As a beginner, go for a low cadence—roughly 60 to 70 rpm for your first few endurance sessions. As you get fitter, work it up gradually up to more than an hour.

Last up, finish the ride with a 5-minute slow-spinning cool down at an easy pace.

Speed Intervals Cycling Workout

Intervals are a crucial part of any cycling training program.

These powerful sessions can help you increase aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and power burn mad calories, and they are perfect for the time-crunched runner.

You can perform this workout indoors or outdoors.—although I prefer doing it indoors, I can have more control over pace intervals, length, and duration.

The Workout

Start with a 10-minute easy-paced pedaling to get you warmed and set.

Next, perform at least six to eight one-minute fast-pedal intervals near top speed—nothing less than 90 percent of your max.

Slow down and recover with a one-minute easy-pace spin with minimal resistance.

After the last interval, slow down and ride at a neutral pace for 5 minutes to cool down.

Tabata Intervals Cycling Workout

Tabata intervals are the brainchild of the Japanese exercise physiologist Izumi Tabata and consist of alternating between 20 seconds of a high-intensity interval with 10 seconds of recovery.

Tabata protocol workouts are perfect if you’re short on time and looking to maximize every minute you spend on a bike.

These also increase cardiovascular fitness and shed calories like nothing else.

Feel free to download this Tabata-timer app for a timer to keep track of your sprint and rest periods.

The Workout

Begin the workout with a 10-minute easy ride as a warm-up of easy spinning.

Next, increase the intensity by boosting gear ratio or tension, and sprint for 20 seconds as fast as possible.

Then, slow down and recover with a 10-second of easy spinning.

Repeat the on-and-off pattern eight times to complete one round.

The pedal is easy for one to two minutes, and then aim to do at least two to three more rounds.

Climbing Intervals Cycling Workout

The cycling climbing session helps build the strength and power needed to tackle the hills easily and will also totally challenge your muscular strength, endurance, and power on the bike.

You have two options here:

(1) Tackle a moderate-to-steep hill.

The ideal hill should take at least two to five minutes to climb and has a steady grade of 7 to 10 percent with no stop signs or traffic lights.

(2) Or hop on a stationary bike with a riser block under the front wheel to simulate a hill by raising the bike’s front wheel.

The Workout

Start with a 10-minute warm-up of easy pedaling.

Begin the uphill, aiming for an effort of 7 to 8 for at least 5 minutes and for 70 to 80 RPM.

Then, coast or recover downhill, and repeat for 25 to 30 minutes.

Repeat the cycle, then end the workout with a 5-minute easy pedaling cool-down.

Feel free to stand and attack for 15 to 20 pedal strokes a time at the fastest pace possible.

The Recovery Cycling Workout

A recovery ride serves the same purpose as a recovery run. As a result, you shouldn’t skip them.

The recovery will help you increase your biking mileage while also allowing your body to recover by spending some time in a lower-intensity training zone.

The Workout

This is easy: Ride as easily as you can for 30 to 45 minutes.

Go as embarrassingly slow as possible and do it deliberately.

Keep spinning easy, and don’t let your training buddy ruin this for you—regardless of how much they pressure you into speeding things up.

Sample Weekly Schedule: Balancing Running and Cycling

Here’s a sample weekly schedule that combines running and cycling in a way that optimizes performance, supports recovery, and avoids overtraining. Feel free to adjust based on your fitness level and goals.

Sample Week: Running-Focused with Cycling Cross-Training

Monday: Easy run (30–40 minutes) + Core workout (optional)
Tuesday: Interval run (e.g., 6x400m at a challenging pace)
Wednesday: Light recovery cycling (20–30 minutes at low intensity)
Thursday: Steady-state run (40–50 minutes at a moderate pace)
Friday: Strength-based cycling workout (e.g., 45 minutes with low resistance and moderate effort)
Saturday: Long run (60–90 minutes at an easy pace)
Sunday: Rest or gentle mobility/yoga

Conclusion

If you’re a runner who’s never thought about cycling, I get it—I used to be that way, too. But trust me, adding cycling to your routine can do wonders for your running.

Whether you’re looking to recover faster, build strength, or switch things up, cycling has something to offer. So, if you’re on the fence, borrow a bike or hit up a spin class. Who knows?

You might end up loving it as much as I do.

The 16 Best Bodyweight Exercises For Runners (& How to Start Body Weight Training)

July 11, 2024March 9, 2016 by David Dack

Looking to start bodyweight exercises for runners but have no idea where to get started? Then you have come to the right place.

Here’s the truth.

Bodyweight training, or calisthenics, is one of the best options you got to improve your fitness, lose weight, and build the body of your dreams.

It’s the ideal way to work out at home, in the gym, or wherever you happen to be. Most calisthenic exercises are convenient, and by definition, require no equipment—just your body and some space around you.

Seems hard and scary, but don’t lose heart! As we’re going to see in today’s post, calisthenics is not rocket science.

Here’s your complete guide on how to start bodyweight training as a beginner.

In this sweet guide, you’ll learn:

The benefits of calisthenics
How to get started with bodyweight exercises
What is a calisthenic workout
The basic exercises you need
How to develop proper technique
And so much more.

Sounds good?

Let’s get started.

What are Bodyweight Training Exercises?

As the name implies, bodyweight training consists of strength-building exercises that utilize body weight to create resistance for the muscles against gravity instead of resistance in the form of bars, dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, exercise machines, you name it.

Typical calisthenics workouts can range from straightforward sessions of push-ups and pull-ups to an elaborate routine of muscle-ups and jackhammers.

Bodyweight training is simple to learn, efficient, and can be done virtually anywhere, at work, at home, while traveling, etc. Think of it as a portable gym.

What I like the most about bodyweight training is scalability. You can easily modify and re-adjust your routine to match your fitness skill, whether you’re a newbie couch potato or an elite gymnast.

Bodyweight Exercises Benefits For Runers

Bodyweight exercises are some of the best moves that can help you improve your fitness level and get into the best shape of your life without paying for hefty gym fees, or be confined to a gym.

This kind of training is really convenient, and can be done anytime anywhere.

You don’t need any sort of fancy equipment or access to the gym.

All you need is your bodyweight, a clear and comprehensive routine and a bit of determination.

The bulk of bodyweight exercise is convenient, simple and scalable, so as you long as you are willing to keep good form the entire time, listen to your body, and do your best, you will be in a good place.

The routine I’m sharing with you today involves doing a set of challenging bodyweight exercises designed to push you hard, while the recovery periods refresh you for the next round of high-intensity work.

To make the most out of this workout, be sure to push your hardest on every interval—just keep good form the priority here—and by the end of the routine you should feel utterly exhausted.

If you are not completely worn out, you are not pushing it hard enough.

So make sure to push yourself as hard as possible while keeping proper form the entire time.

If your form starts to suffer, that’s a clear sign that you should back off, recover a bit, then go at it again.

Just don’t give up.

The 16 Best Bodyweight Exercises For Runners

If you haven’t exercised in a long time, a good segway to the world of bodyweight training is starting with basic exercises—think push-ups and pull-ups.

These exercises are building blocks of strength training. They form the foundation of almost every move you’re going to make in the future.

Do them with good form, though. Proper technique is especially vital for beginners, as the movement habits you develop off the bat will stick you as you progress.

Once you master the basic callisthenic exercises shared below, the fancier moves will start to seem much more doable.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 1. Air squats

Benefits

Bodyweight squats are wonderful multi-joint exercises target almost every muscle in your lower body.

They are also key for boosting endurance, especially if you are doing any type of running, biking, and swimming.

Here are some of the common mistakes:

Rounding the shoulders and curving the back as you squat.
Excessive forward knee bending until they extend past the toes.
Knees falling inward or outward.
Dumping weight into the toes, which places strain on the knee joints.
Misalignment of the knees and toes.

Proper Form

Begin by standing with your feet a little wider than hip-width apart, toes should be slightly turned out, with the arms resting at your sides.

Next, while bracing your core and pulling your shoulder blades in towards each other, start squatting by bending your knees slowly while putting most of your bodyweight onto your heels.

Make sure to keep your knees aligned over your ankles and back straight the entire time.

As soon as you reach the bottom of the squat, press back up through the heel and return to standing position.

Do this exercise slowly and gradually at first, but as you master proper form, be sure speed it up to boost the cardiovascular activity and burn some mad calories during this exercise.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 2. Push-ups

The push-up is a classic bodyweight exercise targetting the upper body and core. It works the biceps, triceps, and pecks like nothing else—as long as you perform it right

Not only bad push-up form is a waste of time and energy, but it could also lead to lower back pain and severe shoulder and wrist issues.

Here are some of the common push-up pitfalls:

Lifting the butt high in the air.
Performing half a push-up—not going low or high enough.
Sinking the hips down.
Holding the breath.
Placing the palms in front of the shoulders.
Keeping the chin too close to the chest.
Poor head position.
Putting the hands too far forward.
Not fully straightening the arms on the push-up.

Proper Form

Begin by setting up your weight supported onto your toes and hands. Place your hands underneath your shoulders, then extend your legs straight out behind you. Keep your head in a neutral position, arms and hands slightly below your shoulders, fingers pointing forwards.

Tighten your core, squeeze your butt, then lower your body until your chest is an inch or two above the floor, elbows pulling back at about a 45-degree, then rise back up by fully extending your arms. That’s one rep.

Engage your core and buttocks and keep your elbows tucked in to your sides throughout the movement. This helps keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.

Can’t perform a single push-up? Use a bench or an elevated surface to put your hands on. I won’t recommend dropping to your knees as it instills lousy form.

As you get stronger, opt for lower surfaces for your hands until you can do clean pushups with no assistance.

Push-up variations: Military pushups, wide-stance pushups, incline/decline pushups, archer push-ups, one-hand push-ups, Hindu push-ups, etc.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 3.Plank

The plank is one of the most basic core exercises out there, but it’s not as simple as you might think. It’s actually one of the most common mistakes when it comes to technique.

Planks are versatile exercises that increase core strength and relieve the lower back. But if performed wrong, they can do more harm than good.

Here are some of the common form errors:

Not engaging the core muscles
Sinking the hips
Arching the back
Looking up straight ahead
Tilting the hips
Positioning the hands too far apart
Placing the arms behind or in front of the shoulders
Lifting up the hips too high
Bringing the shoulders beyond the elbows
Not engaging the legs and butt

Proper Form

Begin on your knees and hands in the classic tabletop position.

Position your elbows underneath your shoulder, then tuck your toes and lift your knees off the floor, and look straight toward the floor.

Engage your shoulder muscles and keep your neck aligned in a neutral position, feet together, and toes touching the ground.

Readjust your hand position until your wrists are lined up under your shoulders.

Hold the plank position for as long as possible without losing form.

Plank variations: low plank arm reach, reverse plank side start plank, low side plank, extended plank, low side plank crunch, forearm plank, etc.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 4. Bench Dips

Also known as a triceps dip, this is a classic bodyweight exercise. Dips target the chest and triceps and are best performed off the platform of a chair or a bench.

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Not going low enough or going too low
Moving too fast
Flaring the elbows to the side
Not engaging the core
Gazing at the ceiling
Butt tilting

Proper Form

Start facing away from a chair or bench, then the front of the platform with both hands shoulder-width distance apart, extending legs out in front of you.

Engage your core, flex at the elbows to slowly lower your body until your arm at the forearm forms a 90-degree angle. Pause at the bottom for a one to tow count, then lift yourself powerfully using your triceps. That’s one rep.

Once you can breeze through 12 to 16 reps, move on to a more advanced move, like close grip push up.

Bench Dips Variations: band-assisted dips, dip to leg raise, assisted dip machine, weighted dips, jumping dips with negatives, etc.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 5. Pull-ups

Pull-ups are maybe the best back exercise and better done with a pull-up bar. It’s also one of the hardest, so take your time and start with easier variations.

Here are some common pull-ups mistakes:

Not getting the chin above the bar
Gripping too wide
Staying straight as an arrow
Not using the full range of motion
Letting the elbow flare
Not keeping the back flat
Not keeping the shoulders back
Not going to “dead hang”

Proper Form

Grab a horizontal bar with both hands, palm facing away from you and hands at shoulder-width apart.

Next, while flexing your traps and shifting your shoulders up and back, pull your body up toward the bar, then slowly lower down to complete one rep.

Pull-ups variations: chair-assisted pull-ups, close grip pull-ups, wide grip pulls, butterfly pull-ups, kipping pull-ups, etc.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 6. The Bridge

Also known as the hip raise, the bridge is a fantastic pose for increasing strength in the hamstrings, back, and glutes.

When performed incorrectly, the bridge can lead to neck, lower, back, or knee issues.

Here are some of the common blunders:

Lengthening the muscles within the quads
Having the feet too close to the butt.
Lifting the heels off the ground
Not keeping the toes in line with the knees
Put too much force on head and neck

Proper Form

Begin by lying down flat on your back. Pull your shoulders back and down.

Place your arms alongside your body, then bend your knees and place your feet on the ground, a hip-width distance apart.

Walk your feet back towards your butt, then, on the inhale, press into your arms and feet to lift your hips towards the ceiling. Squeeze your glutes as you rise to create a straight line from your knees to shoulders.

While keeping your knees, hips, and chest aligned, hold the top of the movement for three to ten seconds. Do not let your hips sag or drop.

Slowly lower down and repeat.

Bridge variations: single leg bridge, bridge with a squeeze, weighed bridge, pulsating bridge, etc.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 7. Lunges

Another fantastic lower body exercise for building up the glutes and the quads.

Lunges also help improve coordination and balance, and they’re great for improving proprioception.

But they are also extremely and commonly easy to get wrong. Bad technique doesn’t just look sloppy; it could also cause injury.

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Bending the torso forward
Leaning forward or back
Turning the foot inward
Externally rotating the back knee
Lowering the rear knee too fast
Not maintaining a straight back
Losing balance
Taking very short strides forward or backward
Extending the knee past the toes on the lunge
Shifting the weight from the heel to the toes—or riding the toes.
Pushing the hips forward

Proper Form

Assume an athletic position, with the feet hip-width apart, back flat, and core engaged.

Take a slow, controlled step forward with your right leg as far as possible. Your front heel is roughly two feet in front of your rear knee as it bends toward the ground.

While keeping the weight in the heels and spine flat, lower your body until both of your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Avoid leaning back or forward throughout the movement.

Hold for a moment, then take a big step forward with your left leg. Keep alternating the legs to move forward across the floor. Avoid bouncing or using too much momentum.

Lunge variations: jumping lunges, static lunges, isometric lunges, reverse lunges, step up reverse lunge, rear foot elevated lunges, lung with reach, weighted lunges, etc.

Hardest Bodyweight Exercises For Runners

once you master the basic bodyweight movements, make your workouts more challenging by adding the following exercises.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 8. Spiderman Plank Crunch

Benefits

This awesome exercise will not only raise your heart rate through the roof, but it will also test your core strength and balance to the breaking point.

Proper Form

To do them right, start in a standard plank position with your body perfectly straight from head to toe, forearms firmly resting on a mat.

Make sure to keep your back straight and core engaged the entire time.

Next, lift your right foot off the floor, then bring your right knee forward towards your right elbow, pause, then slowly return to the starting position.

Repeat on the other side to complete one rep.

Alternate sides for a total of 12 reps to complete one set.

Aim for three sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 9. Dive Bomber Pushups

Benefits

These are my favorite types of a push-up. Also known as the Hindu push-ups, this exercise can help you tone up almost every muscle in your body while providing you with a killer cardiovascular workout

Proper Form

This will push your heart rate to the max.

So make sure to pace yourself here.

Begin in a downward dog position with your butt elevated in the air, and feet spread roughly shoulder width.

Make sure your body is forming an inverted “V’ shape, with your head down.

Next, lower your chest to the floor by bending your elbows toward the floor until your chest almost touches it, then push forward into a dip motion to an upward dog position.

Pause for a moment, then return back to the standing position to comlplete one rep.

Do 10 reps to complete one set, aiming to perform 3 total sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 10. Side plank crunch

Benefits

Planks are some of the best bodyweight exercises, so make sure to do a lot of them.

However, the variation I’m sharing with you today will not only test your core mettle, but they will also drive your heart rate through the roof.

Side plank crunches strengthen the obliques and the deep ab muscles, and they are an awesome cardiovascular exercise.

Proper Form

Begin in a standard plank position with legs together, back straight and core engaged.

Then, lean to your left side while lifting your right arm up toward the ceiling, bend your right elbow and place your right hand behind your head.

Next, while keeping your right shoulder tracking over right hand and hip raised the entire time, bend your right knee and bring in to touch your top elbow, and start performing crunches.

Do 8 reps on each side to complete one set.

Aim for three sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 11. Pike Jumps

Benefits

This is another awesome core exercise that will help you develop core strength and stability while hitting your hips and quads hard and pushing your cardiovascular endurance to the limit.

Proper Form

Begin in a standard plank position with palms on the ground, core engaged, back perfectly straight and hands directly beneath your shoulders.

Make sure to form a straight line your head to your heels.

Next, while engaging your core, jump your feet together and forward and assume a pike position with butt raised in the air, pause for a moment, then jump back to the plank position while making sure to keep the hands firmly placed on the ground.

That’s one rep.

Do 16 reps to complete one set.

Aim for three sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 12. Jump Squats

Benefits

Jump squats are some of the best plyometric exercises you can do to develop explosive power, which is key to building your muscles’ ability to generate force more quickly.

This exercise mainly works the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes—vital running muscles.

Proper Form

Stand as straight as possible with the feet spread shoulder-width apart, arms hanging at the sides and core engaged.

Next, while keeping your chest up and back straight, squat down by bending your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

Be sure to keep your back straight and knee is tracking over your toes.

Then, while pressing mainly with the ball of your feet, jump up explosively in the air as high as you can, using the thighs like springs.

As soon as you land on the floor, go straight away to the next squat and jump again.

Do 20 reps to complete one set.

Aim for three sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 13. Windshield Wipers

Benefits

This awesome core exercise is ideal for targeting the rectus abdominis and obliques muscles to activate and strengthen your core stabilizing muscles, which is crucial for keeping your trunk steady and good posture while you are running.

Proper Form

Start out by lying down on your back, then raise your legs to a 90-degree angle.

For more support, feel free to spread your arms straight out to your sides.

Next, to perform this exercise, rotate your legs to your right side, stopping short of touching the floor, pause for a moment, press back up, then turn to the left side, and press back to starting position to complete one rep.

Make sure your legs are moving from side to side in a “windshield wiper” motion.

As you get stronger, make it more challenging by bringing your arms closer into your sides so they offer less support.

Do 10 slow reps to complete one set.

Aim for three sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 14. Single Leg Elevated Glute Bridge

Benefits

As you may already know, glutes are the source of power when it comes to running.

Good news is the single leg elevated glute bridge exercise is one of the best exercises that target these large and powerful muscles.

Strong glutes can help you run faster and longer while preventing common injury.

Plus, it also builds balance and coordination.

Proper Form

Lie down on your back with your feet flat, knees bent, ankles hip-distance apart, then raise your right leg off the floor, pulling the knee to your chest.

This is the starting position.

Make sure to extend your right leg as straight as possible toward the ceiling.

Next to perform this exercise, raise your glutes off the floor by driving through the heels and extending your hip upward.

Be sure to extend your right leg as far as you can, hold it for 30-second to one full minute, then slowly lower your leg down and switch sides to complete one set.

Aim for three sets.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 15. Side Lunges

This is a unique variation of the standard lunge that builds strength in the hamstring, abductors, quadriceps, and glutes. This lateral exercise is also great for coordination.

When side lunges are performed incorrectly, they can result in pain or injury to the lower back, hips, and knees.

Here are some of the common form errors:

Not keeping the torso uprightand engaged core
Extending the knees out too far
Stepping too wide while performing the side lunge movement
Not keeping the weight distributed evenly
Not keeping the toes in line with the lunging knee.

Proper Form

Assume an athletic position with your feet together, knees and hips slightly bent, and head and chest up.

On the inhale, take a slow, lateral step to the right side, then bend into the right knee and sit your hips back as you’re going to sit in a chair.

Stay low while keeping the weight in your heel and bending your knee to a 90-degree angle, knee staying in line with the toes.

Exhale and press through the right heel to straighten the leg and step back to starting position.

Switch sides and repeat.

Side Lunge variations: Plyo side lunge, dumbbell lateral lunge, reverse side lunge, curtsey lunge with a kick, single-leg deadlift to reverse lunge.

Bodyweight Exercise For Runners – 16. Burpees

Benefits

This compound movement will blast your heart and increase your stamina like nothing else.

Burpees target virtually every major muscle group in the body while helping you become functionally fit in the shortest time possible.

It’s no wonder that the burpees are the bread and butter of most CrossFit workouts and military training programs.

Here are a few of the sad burpees errors that bring tears to my eyes:

Going too fast while ignoring proper
Not properly stabilizing the core.
Allowing for the back to sag when doing the push-up.
Holding the breath.
Sacrificing reps for form.

Proper form

Start by standing with feet shoulder width apart.

Squat down by bending your knees, then lower your body toward the floor by putting your hands on the floor in front of you.

Thrust your feet back, and lower yourself into the bottom portion pushup position, so your legs are fully extended, abdominals tights, and arms straight.

Then in one swift and smooth motion, jump your feet back into the squat position and leap up as high as possible from the squat position.

That’s one rep.

Repeat as fast as possible.

Burpee variations: push-up burpee, superman burpee, side burpee, start jump burpee, mountain climber tuck jump burpee, dive bomber burpee, etc.

The Bodyweight Strength Routine For Running

We’ve all heard of the saying, “failing to plan is planning fail.”

You need a concrete plan if you want to reach your fitness goals. Not only does it improve your training consistency, but it also allows you to monitor your progress and see where you need more work.

The following plan has been designed to increase endurance, build strength while burning some mad calories in the process.

Perform the exercises in order, two to three times a week, with at least one day of full recovery between each go. Take 30 to 60 seconds to rest after each round. Repeat five times.

Whatever you do, make sure to start in line with your current fitness skill, training goals, schedule, and personal preferences. Give it a few months, and you’ll be a leaner, stronger athlete for it.

To get you started, try the following 3-day program.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Full body circuit

Ten push-ups
30 squats
20 sit-ups
Ten chair dips
Five pull-ups

Repeat the entire circuit 5 times.

More Bodyweight Exercises

As you get fitter, feel free to add in more bodyweight exercises of various intensities and reps. Some of these include:

Bodyweight Y Squats
X Pushup
Bodyweight Single-Leg Deadlift
Bodyweight Lateral Squat
Mountain Climbers
Bodyweight Shoulder Taps
Calf raises
Dead Bug
Bird Dog with Rotation
Bodyweight Bird Dog
Double Lunge with Reach
Back Extensions
Hand Curls
Chin-ups
Leg raises
Sit-ups
Scissors
Cross-Body Mountain Climbers
Squat Thrusts
Reverse Lunge and Hop
Cross-Body Extension
Elbow to Knee
Wall Slides
Side Plank with Rotation
Dive Bomber Push-Ups
Side Plank with Extension
Jump Squats
Plank to Push Up
Single-Leg Up and Down Dogs
Figure 4 Mountain Climbers
T Push-Ups
Jumping Lunges
Single-Leg Burpee
Scissors
High Knees
Cross Overs
And so much, so much, more.

New to Running? Start Here…

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How to Treat and Prevent Runner’s Knee

December 18, 2024March 9, 2016 by David Dack

Runners knee can affect anyone, from beginner runners who are just starting out to elite athletes trying to achieve their next personal best.

If you’re looking for practical solutions for relieving and avoiding this common overuse running injury, then you’re in the right place.

Today I’m going to share with you a simple step-by-step runners knee injury treatment and prevention program that can help put a stop to the condition for good.

By the end of this post you will know all you need about:

The exact definition of runners knee and its symptoms, and causes,
The best treatment options for runner’s knee,
How to get back safely to running after runners knee, and
The right preventative measures you can take so you no longer have to endure another (or your first) runner’s knee nightmare.

So are you excited? Then let’s get the ball rolling

Runner’s Knee Explained

Standing for a number of conditions affecting the knee, such as Patellar Tendinitis, Chondromalacia Patella, and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, or PFPS for short, Runner’s knee is a general term that’s been used to describe pain and tenderness around and/or below the kneecap.

PFPS is the most Common

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (what a mouthful!), is the most common form of runner’s knee, accounting for about 20 percent of all running injuries, according to study.

Note: This whole post is mainly focused on patellofemoral pain syndrome.

In future posts, I’ll be dealing other conditions affecting the knee.

That’s why in this post, I’ll be using the terms PFPS and runner’s knee interchangeably, but please keep in mind that they are not the same thing.

Runners Knee Symptoms

The primary symptom is mild pain around, and below the top of the kneecap, typically toward the center of the back of the knee where the kneecap and thighbone meet.

The pain is, in most cases, mild at the first stages and may be only felt during running (or while doing other high impact exercises), but the pain becomes increasingly more intense not only during running but also after a workout.

Since the knee is a joint—Read: it moves around a lot—pinpointing the exact painful spot can prove difficult.

Nevertheless, by and large, Runner’s Knee is described as an aching pain behind and/or around the kneecap.

To make sure you actually have PFPS, you may need to visit a doctor to give you a thorough physical exam.

In some cases, X-rays and MRIs—Magnetic Resonance Imaging)—and other tests are needed for a complete assessment.

But in most cases, if you are a runner, and you started experiencing the above symptoms, rest assured that you have runner’s knee, and it’s time to step back from running and treat the condition before you do more damage to the cartilage.

You may also experience swelling and/or popping or cracking sensations in the knee.

Additional Resource – Can you run again after knee replacement

Runners Knee – The Injury Process

At the root level, runners knee develops when the patella (the kneecap) tracks incorrectly over the femoral groove, which a groove in the thighbone—as you use your knee.

Under normal conditions, the patella rests in the femoral groove and glides effortlessly up and down as you bend and straighten your knee.

But when the patella is misaligned—or tracking out of its normal range— it can irritate the nerves around the kneecap and damage the cartilage beneath the patella, leading to knee pain and eventually, runners knee.

Not Just Runners

As I have already stated, Runners’ Knee is the most common overuse injury among runners, but it can also strike any athlete in a variety of fields—especially sports that require plenty of cutting and sharp lateral movements, such as skiing, basketball, and tennis, or any type of sport that’s arduous activity on the legs.

Runners Knee Causes

Pinpointing a single cause of runner’s knee may prove elusive.

There are so many factors that can lead to the condition.

Here are some of the causes:

Overuse. This is the most common cause.

The repetitive high impact nature of running—and other high impact activities that are strenuous on the knees—can irritate the nerves around kneecap and damage the tendons.

Misalignment. When the patella—kneecap—is slightly out of its correct position—in other words it’s out of alignment—running and other high impact activities that require a lot knee bending and twisting can wear down the cartilage of the kneecap, leading to pain and damage to the joints.

Muscle weakness. Muscle imbalances in the legs can also lead to the condition.

Weak glutes, hip abductors, and quadriceps muscles can reduce support and stability around the knees, which forces the kneecap to track out of alignment.

Muscle tightness. Tight hamstrings and calf muscles can put pressure on the knee, resulting in misalignment of the kneecap, thus increasing kneecap friction and pain.

Add to this the repetitive high impact nature of running and you have a recipe for runners knee.

Foot problems. If you have flat feet—also known as fallen arches or overpronation—this anatomical condition can overstretch the muscles and tendons of your legs, resulting in knee pain and irritation.

An unusual foot position forces the foot to roll inwards which significantly changes the way the forces go through the knee

Direct trauma. This is when you receive a direct trauma to the knee, such like a blow or a fall.

The shock impact can dislocate the kneecap, or even move it out of place, forcing it to mal-track over the femoral groove.

Now let’s talk about something really important: the proper knee injury treatment plan.

How to Treat Runner’s Knee

If you have runners knee, then there is no perfect answer to when your knee will be healed.

Nevertheless, to speed up the healing process, do the following.

Stop Running

This is obvious.

Stop doing anything, including running and other high impact exercises, that leads to knee pain, but feel free to do as much exercise as you can do pain-free.

Take as many recovery days (or weeks) as you need.

If you don’t want to stop exercising, then opt for cross training activities with minimum impact on the knee.

Join a yoga class, strength train or join a aqua jogging class.

Just because you have runners knee don’t mean that you should fall off the training wagon, and turn into a couch potato.

Ice your Knee

Ice therapy can help you assuage pain and reduce the swelling.

Do it for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times per day until the pain is gone.

Use cold packs or ice wrapped in a towel.

Compress The Knee

Support the injured knee by using sleeves, straps or an elastic bandage to accelerate the healing process and reduce pain.

Elevate your Knee

Another measure you can take is to keep the knee raised up higher then you chest level by elevating it on a pillow when you are sitting or lying down.

Take Anti-inflammatory Pills

I will only recommend that you take pills if the pain was too much to bear.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like Aleve, Advil, or most commonly Ibuprofen, will help with the swelling and the pain—especially if you needed more pain relief.

Just be careful. These drugs—like any other drug—have a dark side.

They can boost the risk of bleeding and ulcers—only used when your doctor says so or in cases of severe pain.

See a Doctor

In case your knee did not get well with the above steps, and the pain persists, then you may need to see a physician and have a professional examine your knee for a thorough medical evaluation.

In most cases, runners knee can be easily treated provided that you spot it early on and take the necessary action steps on the spot.

Severe Runners Knee Cases

In some severe cases of runner’s knee, the above steps may not help as much.

So what to do then?

Well, severe cases of the runner may need immediate surgery to fix the damage.

A surgeon could take out the injured cartilage or mend the position of the patella.

Hopefully, you will never have to endure severe cases of runner’s knee.

This condition—and most other running injuries—can be easily treated—when spotted at the right time and before they get any worse—and with the implementation of the right preventative strategies.

Additional resource – Your guide to ITBS

How to Get Back Running after Runner’s Knee

Here are the three keys to return safely to running after runner’s knee

Take your Time

Returning back to running, of course, will depend on how severe you damaged your knee.

Thus, it’s hard to guess how much recovery time you will need, especially when you put into consideration the biomechanical causes of the condition.

You cannot fix your muscles imbalances or running mechanics overnight.

So this cannot be rushed up. No one can

For instance, you may only need a few days off if you spot runners’ knee early, but if you have been running through pain for a while, you may need a lot longer.

But as a general guideline, full recovery from runner’s knee can take from four to eight weeks (or even more in severe cases) of no irritating activities—including running and other activities that require a lot of knee bending and twisting.

To stay on the safe side, opt for cross-training activities that don’t aggravate the pain and require minimum knee twisting and effort.

Take up aqua jogging, swimming, and the like.

And if a cross-training activity leads to knee pain, you shouldn’t be doing it.

The same approach applies for other knee injuries such as ITBS and patellar tendonitis.

Restart Slowly

Depending on how long you were out of the running field, it will take you to get back to running the way you used to.

A loss of cardio base and stamina is expected after a moderate layoff—even for just a couple of weeks.

Restart your running engine carefully and slowly.

Don’t force it.

Adopt a beginner’s runner mindset.

Fix the Root-Cause

Whether the root cause of your injury was biomechanical or any other cause, you will need to continue on working on it until it poses no future threats.

So please keep in mind that if you don’t strive to gradually fix the root-cause, it won’t just repair itself.

That was my mistake.

And please don’t repeat my mistake.

Additional Resource – Overpronation vs Underpronation

Circuit Training For Runners – The 30-Minute Indoor Workout

August 29, 2023March 9, 2016 by David Dack

If it’s not possible for you to go for an outdoor run, and you don’t want to jump on the treadmill for the hundredth time this month, then here is an indoor workout you can do at home for free.

No need for special equipment.

No need for hefty gym fees.

Oh! I forgot, it will also get you sweating like crazy and push your conditionning level to the max.

So are you excited? Then here we go…

Circuit Training For Runners – The 30-Minute Indoor Workout

If you are currently stuck inside, due to the weather, a baby, safety concerns, monetary reasons, you name it, the circuit I’m sharing with you today is the perfect solution.

In fact, this indoor workout routine is ideal for the cold winter month and perfect if time crunched fitness nuts.

Most of the exercises below require minimum equipment and can be done almost anywhere, as long as you have enough space.

These exercises will boost your heart rate, sculpt your body and get you out of running rut and help you smash through a training plateau.

For more challenge, use heavier dumbbells, medicine balls and push as hard as you can, or shoot for more rounds.

The Warm-Up

Warm up right by jogging in place at a comfortable pace for five minutes.

Make sure to land on the balls of your feet.

Exercise one: Jog in Place

Once you are warmed up, pick up the pace and jog in place as fast as you can by driving your arms back and forth and lifting your knees to waist level.

Make sure to run in place as fast as you can while pumping your arms back and forth, engaging the upper body as well.

Alternate between jogging at high intensity for 30 seconds, then slow it down and recovery for another 30 seconds, bringing your heart rate up in the process.

Exercise Two: High Knee Sprints

While jogging, pick up the start performing high knee sprints by bringing your knees up high toward your chest as fast as you can while engaging the glutes and keeping your torso upright.

Make sure to focus on high speed and knee lift while swinging your arms back and forth to generate momentum.

Sprint in place for one full minute to complete one set.

Exercise Three: High Lunges

Stand tall with back straight and core engaged, then step your left foot forward as far as possible so you are in a wide lunge position.

Next, while keeping your torso upright and gazing straight ahead, push through your left heel and drive your right knee forward and up toward your chest, then return it to starting position and repeat as fast as you can.

Do 10 to reps on each side to complete one set.

Exercise Four: Burpees

From a standing position, lower down and place your hands on the floor on either side of the feet.

Next, kick your feet back so you are now in a plank position, then immediately bring the feet back to between your hands and explosively jump up into the air, clapping your hands mid-air.

Make sure to land softly on the floor, then repeat as fast as possible while keeping good form throughout the exercise.

Exercise Five: Squat Jumps

Stand with feet hip-width apart with arms crossed over your chest.

Next, while keeping your head up and core engaged, squat down until your upper thighs are parallel to the ground, then, while pressing mainly with the balls of your feet, and using the thighs like springs, jump straight up in the air as high as you can.

Last up, land softly on the floor, bend your knees and sink back into the squat position and immediately jump again.

Please make sure to land with control and be extra caution if you have any knee or back injuries.

Repeat for 12 to 16 to complete one set.

Exercise Six: Butt Kicks

Begin by standing with your legs shoulder width apart, with the arms bent at your sides.

Next, while keeping your back straight and core engaged, run in place by kicking your heels up toward your butt, pumping your arms back and forth with elbows bent at a 90-degree angle as quickly as you can.

Make sure that your thighs do not move much as you lift and kick one heel at a time to your butt.

Lift your heels as close as you can to your butt, using a quick leg movement on the balls of your feet.

To do this circuit right, make sure to take minimum recovery between each exercise.

Your heart rate should remain high throughout the entire circuit.

Exercise Seven: Ski Abs

Assume a straight arm plank position, with back flat, head in neutral position and feet together.

Next, while engaging your core, hop both of your feet up to the left side, aiming to bring your knees to the outside of your left elbow, then quickly hop back into starting position, and change sides to complete one rep.

Repeat the exercise for one full minute to complete one set.

Circuit Training For Runners – The Conclusion

There you have it! If you’re looking for a cross training workout for runners, then this post is perfect for you. The rest is just details.

Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.

In the meantime thank for dropping by.

David D.

The 101 Best Weight Loss Tips of All Time

April 18, 2025February 3, 2016 by David Dack

If you’re looking to lose weight—whether it’s 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds or more —then you’ve come to the right place.

This article will take you through just about every aspect of weight loss possible, from exercise to diet, motivation to lifestyle, and everything in between.

Without further ado, here are 101 ways to lose the extra pounds for good. I hope you find my tips and strategies helpful.

Note: This is a super-long article (10000+ words). Don’t sit down to read it until you have enough time to dig into it. To make sure you don’t forget, bookmark this post and read it later, when you have time. In addition to the content I’ve written, I’ve also provided links to over 70 scientific studies related to weight loss and exercise. They’re worthwhile reading as well, so click through on the links for even more helpful information and detail.

Find Your Big Why

In my experience, the first step toward achieving anything in life—let alone losing weight—is having the right motivation.

Without a “Big Why,” you’ll have no (or too little) motivation — especially when you come across roadblocks. When you’re motivated enough, you’re in a good place. I can guarantee that you ’ll lose weight and keep it off for good once you know your Big Why.

So, What’s YOUR WHY?

Why do you want to lose weight?

Why do you want to start exercising?

Why do you want to live a healthy lifestyle?

Why?

Is it because you’re ashamed of your body?

Is it because losing weight is a matter of life or death?

Whatever your real reason is, after you’ve figured out your big WHY (or WHYs), write it down and keep it somewhere that you’ll see it on a daily basis. This will serve as a constant reminder when the going gets tough.

Diet Tips

Eat More Vegetables

There is no such thing as healthy eating without vegetables.

Why? Well for starters, vegetables score high in fiber and are low in calories— both key nutritional elements for successful weight loss. They’re also chock-full of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and plenty of other valuable nutrients.

Do your best to eat as much as green stuff as possible. Some of the best options include broccoli, watercress, kale, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, cauliflower, Swiss chard, and Brussels sprouts.

3. Eat Protein At Every Meal

Protein is your friend, whether you’re trying to increase muscle mass or lose weight.

Good protein can help keep you feeling full longer and controls your blood sugar levels, both of which can cut cravings for sugary, high-calorie, high-fat foods. Protein is also critical for muscle recovery and fat burning.

There is plenty of research to back these claims up. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who eat protein at each meal lost more weight than those who didn’t have the nutrient at certain meals.

Another study conducted at the University of Missouri found that people who had protein with each meal reported the most weight loss benefits.

Some of the best animal-based sources of lean protein include lean meat, seafood, and egg whites, and the best plant-based are nuts and beans.

Limit processed meats like ham, sausage, and bacon, or better yet avoid them entirely. These foods contain a lot of saturated fats and a plethora of chemicals and harmful ingredients.

Additional Resource: What is in a dairy-free Protein Powder?

Plan Your Foods

“If you fail to plan, then you’re planning to fail.” This maxim holds true whether you are the CEO of a 500-Fortune company or just a regular Joe (or Jane) trying to build healthy eating habits.

Planning your meals can help you take the guesswork out of the equation, and this, in turn, increases your chances of success.

The best way to plan your food intake is to spend at least an hour every Saturday or Sunday evening thoroughly planning your meals for the upcoming week. Then all you have to do the rest of the week is stick to the plan.

Try to prepare at least 10 to 12 meals and put them in Tupperware bowls, so you have them ready for the week ahead.

Eat More Fiber

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, increasing fiber intake by 8 grams for every 1,000 calories you take in can promote weight loss and prevent weight gain.

Why?

Fiber, unlike other carbs, does not get easily absorbed by your body. This means that it helps you feel full for longer. Increasing your intake of fiber can also lower your cholesterol, and may even prevent colon cancer and other health ailments.

Shoot for at least 30 to 40 grams of fiber a day. Some of the best sources of fiber include beans, broccoli, asparagus, oats, Brussels sprouts, apples, and flax seeds, to name just a few.

Cut the Bad Carbs

Not all carbs are created equal. If you want to lose weight, eat the good carbs and avoid bad ones.

Good carbs are also known as complex carbs. They take longer to digest and can help you feel full longer. Some of the best sources of good carbs include vegetables, fruits, sweet potatoes, beans, brown rice, and other whole grain products.

Bad carbs are also known as simple carbs. They are digested quickly by the body, and this can lead to blood sugar spikes, cravings, and a host of health troubles.

Classic examples of simple carbs include bread, pasta, bagels, candy, muffins, donuts, French fries, sugary cereals, white rice, and any sugary or highly processed food.

Additional resource – A 7-day keto meal plan

Eat Low GI Foods

Established about 30 years ago, the glycemic index is a scale that ranks foods from 0 to 100 based on the impact they have on blood sugar levels. According to studies, subjects who followed a low-GI diet have reported losing double their fat as compared to a high GI group.

Check the following list.

Many thanks to LeanGainGuide.com for this awesome list.

Don’t Fear Fats

Fats get a bad rap in the health community, but if you avoid them entirely, you’re doing yourself a great disservice.

Here’s the truth. Fats — the healthy kind — are an integral part of a healthy diet. Research shows that eating the right kinds of fats can help you lose weight and increase your overall health and well-being level.

So, which fats are good ones?

Good fats are monounsaturated fats, AKA MUFAs. They increase good HDL cholesterol while reducing bad LDL cholesterol.

Research shows that good fats can protect against the buildup of artery plaque, preventing heart disease and other health troubles. They can also suppress your appetite, reducing the number of calories you eat in a day while boosting your metabolism.

Some of the best sources of MUFAs include olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, avocados, almonds, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

You don’t need too much good fat to get its benefits. Research suggests that two to three tablespoons of olive oil per day are enough to do the trick.

Consume Water-Rich Foods

According to a study conducted at the Pennsylvania State University, eating water-rich foods cuts overall calorie consumption, as many of these foods are low in calories but high in fiber.

Here is a list of some of the best water-rich foods:

Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Iceberg lettuce
Zucchini
Green peppers
Celery
Cantaloupe
Spinach
Strawberries
Radishes
Grapefruits
Watermelon
Cauliflower

Keep a Food Journal

According to a six-month study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, people who kept tabs on their daily eating habits for six days a week reported losing about twice as many pounds as those who didn’t keep written records.

By monitoring your daily eating habits, you give yourself a better idea of what’s going into your mouth, This can help you better assess your daily eating choices and habits. If traditional food tracking apps haven’t worked for you, consider exploring some myfitness pal alternatives that may better suit your needs and preferences.

Here’s what you need to do. Get yourself a diet journal and start tracking the amount of food you consume throughout the day, including snacks and treats.

Take Pictures of Your Food

Photographing your meals and snacks is another helpful way to keep tabs on your daily eating habits.

Doing so can also help you examine the quantity and quality of the meals you’re eating, as well as holding you accountable for every bite you eat.

Research backs this up.

According to a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, taking pictures of every meal and snack you eat can encourage you to change your diet.

Eat Five Times a Day

Although there are no conclusive studies that prove that eating 4 to 5 mini meals a day can help you shed weight, many people say that eating small healthy meals multiple times a day has helped them lose weight.

As long as you’re eating the right foods, eating small meals throughout the day can help you win the battle of the bulge.

Try eating four to five 350 to 500-calorie meals every three to four hours. These small meals should include breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a small early lunch, a mid-afternoon snack, a finally a small, light dinner.

Here is a sample schedule:

7:30 am—Breakfast
10:00 am—Mid-morning snack
1:00 pm—Lunch
4:00 pm—Evening snack
7:00 pm—Dinner

Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is the artful form of skipping meals without hurting your weight loss efforts.

Intermittent fasting, or IF, involves regular, short-term fasts. According to research, fasting during short, specific windows during the day can help you consume fewer calories. It also optimizes some hormones linked to weight control.

There are several methods of intermittent fasting. One of the most popular is the 16/8 method in which you skip breakfast and eat during a limited 8-hour feeding period.

During the 16/8, you fast for 16 hours (including sleep time). For example, fasting from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. adds up to 16 hours of fasting.

This method only requires that you trade your regular breakfast for a cup of coffee or some other non-caloric fluid. Then you can have lunch at 1:00 as your first meal of the day. This method only requires that you trade your regular breakfast for a cup of coffee, MUD\WTR, or some other non-caloric fluid

The 16/8 Method is convenient and simple, and does not require counting calories. You can do the 16/8 fast twice a week, on weekends, or every single day.

Additional resource – Here’s how long does it take to lose 100 pounds.

Fill Your Plate with Veggies First

As you may already know, eating more vegetables has been proven one of the most significant predictors of weight loss and ideal health.

But how do you ensure you’re getting enough veggies?

It’s simple. Fill up half of your plate with vegetables, then divide the other half into two equal-sized areas. Fill one with good carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice or a slice of whole-grain bread. Fill the other with lean protein such as skinless poultry, fish, lean beef or beans.

With this simple trick you won’t even need to count your calories or worry about portion size.

Spice it Up

Spicy items like hot sauce, chopped jalapeno, and Cajun seasonings add a lot of flavor to meals with few calories. But that’s not the whole story.

According to research, most spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin, which is the source from which chilies get their heat. According to research, this compound can tame your appetite and increase your metabolism.

Not only that, but capsaicin also may have a thermogenic effect, boosting body temperature after consumption. This may lead to a higher calorie burn for 20 to 30 minutes after you’re finished eating.

Additional resource – The best running songs

Cook with Coconut Oil

Two tablespoons per day of coconut oil can help you reduce your waist circumference by an average of 1.1 inches over the course of a month, according to a study.

Coconut oil scores high on the healthy medium chain saturated fatty acids fats (known as Medium Chain Triglycerides, or MCTs) that increase metabolism for immediate energy and decrease appetite.

To get the most benefit from this, use virgin coconut oil. It’s usually made with no chemicals, while refined or RBD oil is usually chemically treated.

Have Breakfast

A study conducted at Harvard revealed that obesity rates are roughly 40 to 50 percent lower in people who have breakfast on a consistent basis, compared with those who skip breakfast.

A healthy breakfast will make you less likely to be hungry later, which often leads to overeating over the remainder of the day.

Unless you’re doing intermittent fasting, you should never skip breakfast. As a rule, have up to 500 calories each day at breakfast, depending of course on your weight loss goals, age, fitness level, and exercise goals.

A healthy breakfast should consist of a serving of protein, a serving of whole grain carbs, and a serving of fruit—especially after a morning workout.

Eat Eggs for Breakfast

Eggs should be a staple of your daily eating plan, and research shows that the best way to get the most out of eggs is to start your day off with them.

A study found that obese subjects lost more weight and had a higher reduction in waist circumference when they ate a breakfast of two eggs instead of bagels, even though each group’s breakfast contained the same amount of calories.

Why? Eggs are rich in protein (one egg contains about six grams of protein) and other valuable nutrients, helping you feel full longer.

Have Barley for Breakfast

If you don’t like eggs for breakfast, then another healthy choice is barley.

Barley is one of the best foods you can eat.

According to Swedish researchers, having barley for breakfast can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. Barley scores low on the GI index, meaning it raises your blood sugar level more slowly than high carbs foods like bagels and donuts.

As a rule, buy minimally processed hull barley, and avoid processed forms such as pearl barley.

Watch the Salad Dressing

Salads should be a big part of your eating plan. They’re one of the best ways to ensure you’re eating enough veggies.

But, if you don’t keep an eye on the goodies you put into your salad, they can end up more calorie-laden than pizza or bagel.

Many salad dressings are chock-full of preservatives, trans fats and artificial flavor, which can spell disaster for an otherwise healthy and green dish.

For more flavor, opt for low-calorie, healthier alternatives. Try avocado oil, refined olive oil, homemade Paleo mayonnaise, a squeeze of lemon juice, tomato juice, macadamia, balsamic vinegar or even some homemade salsa.

Eat Light at Night

By eating lightly during the late evening, you’ll not only prevent weight gain, you’ll also sleep much better and have a better appetite for a healthy breakfast in the morning.

Here’s how to make it happen:

Aim to consume at least three-quarters of your calories before dinner, then make sure to leave at least a gap of two to three hours between your last meal of the day and bedtime. This will help give your body enough time to digest your food before you sleep.

If you feel super famished just before going to bed, then opt for a small serving of protein such as a piece of cheese or a hard-boiled egg.

Eat More Slowly

It takes roughly 20 minutes for leptin, the body’s satiety hormone, to kick in. Once it does, your brain gets the signal of “fullness” from your stomach. In other words, your brain doesn’t register when your stomach is full right away.

As a result, give yourself at least 20 minutes to eat, and then wait after you’re done. If 20 minutes go by and you’re still hungry, go back and have a healthy snack. To help you eat slowly try using a set of chopsticks, or eat your meal with your less dominant hand.

Chew Your Food

Eating your meals more slowly and mindfully can drastically help you decrease the amount of calories you consume during a meal, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Chewing and eating your food slowly helps you feel full faster, and it’s when you feel full that you should stop eating.

Next time you sit down to a meal, make sure to take your time to chew your food rather than gulping it down as fast as you can.

Sit Down to Eat

If you’re in the habit of eating on the go, you may be heading in the wrong direction.

Research published in the Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that taking a seat at the table while eating can help you eat at a slower pace, and the slower you eat, the better.

As a rule, eat your food while sitting down, preferably from a plate.

Mind your Portion Sizes

According to a study, subjects who practiced portion control for two years lost 5 percent more weight than those who didn’t.

Here’s more good news. Portion control is not rocket science. To master it, you simply need to learn how to measure portion size correctly. Doing so will help you know for sure the amount of calories you’re taking in and how they’re affecting your weight loss efforts.

Here’s a simple infographic to help you understand portion sizes.

Use Smaller Plates

A simple change from a 12-inch plate to a 10-inch plate can cut your food consumption by up to 20 percent, according to the Cornell and Brand Lab’s Small Plate Movement.

Make sure to serve yourself on a smaller plate that’s roughly the size of your grandmother’s china instead of one of the larger, more modern ones.

Photo courtesy of SkinnyRules.com

Change Your Plate Color

According to a study conducted at Cornell University, you can cut your serving size by 20 percent when opting for a contrasting plate color instead of for a plate whose colors blend in with your meal’s color.

Next time you sit down to a meal, make sure that your food color and plate color are different from one another. Many experts recommend using blue plates, but at the very least make sure your plate doesn’t match the color of your meal.

Turn Off the TV

According to a study from the University of Massachusetts, eating in front of the TV leads to consuming more than 300 extra calories. That’s because if you’re busy watching TV, you’re more likely to be so distracted that you devour an entire plate quickly without thinking about whether you’re satiated or not.

Create a distraction-free eating environment. Turn off the TV, put away your phone, shut down Facebook and enjoy your meal.

Find a Healthy Meal You Love and Eat it Over and Over Again

Come up with a list of low-calorie foods that you love and which satisfy your daily energy needs, then mix and match them, so you’re eating the same meals over and over again.

By planning your healthy meals this way, you’ll be less likely to make unhealthy last-minute food choices. This method will also help you spend less time fretting about the foods you need to eat.

Never Shop Hungry

According to a study conducted at Cornell University, eating something healthy before going to the grocery store makes shoppers less prone to buy junk food.

How come this trick works is no mystery. Shopping while feeling full strengthens your willpower and makes you immune to junk food temptations.

As a rule, never go shopping when you’re hungry. Instead, eat a filling meal, some produce or a healthy snack before you hit the grocery aisle.

Read the Labels

Not only will learning this skill give you a better idea of the number of calories you’re consuming, but it will also help you be more aware of food’s nutritional value. Take the time to read the labels, making sure you know how to interpret what you read.

Here is an infographic to provide you with a quick and easy guide.

Photo courtesy of UC Davis and Gkplace.com

Make a Weekly Grocery List

To make sure you’re putting the right kind of foods in your shopping cart, write a detailed and thorough grocery list. Doing so not only help you get in and out of the store as quickly as possible, but it can also help you decrease impulse purchases and stick to your healthy eating plan.

Use this simple list to stock your kitchen up with healthy food all week (or month) long.

Here’s an infographic to help.

Infographic courtesy of Greatist.

Banish Emotional Eating

If you’re more likely to eat when you’re feeling depressed, anxious or lonely, you might be prone to emotional eating. According to research, emotional eating is one of the leading causes of bad food choices.

Emotional eating can compromise your weight loss efforts, especially since the food we crave at those times tend to be sweet, high-calorie, and fatty.

Reevaluate your relationship with the food you eat and learn how to differentiate between real hunger (physical hunger) and fake hunger (head hunger).

Say No to the Bread Basket

Research has found a direct link between regular consumption of white bread and being prone to weight gain.

White bread is bad for you for a slew of reasons. It adds a lot of empty calories to your meals, and it doesn’t keep you feeling full.

Bread is also high in carbs. Eating it in bulk will prevent stored body fat from being used as fuel, hindering your fat-burning process.

The real bad news is that white bread is a staple in most pantries.

So what should you do here?

It’s simple: Replace your white bread with whole grain or whole wheat bread whenever you can.

Banish Junk Food

To set yourself up for total weight loss success, declare your house a junk-food-free zone.

If you have no unhealthy food laying around, you’ll be more likely to stick to your healthy eating plan. In other words, practice the mantra “out of sight, out of mind.”

Purge your kitchen of as cookies, cakes, pies, candy, sugary drinks, biscuits, crisp pretzels pastries, and other sugar-filled, highly processed junk foods.

Stock Up on Healthy Foods

Instead of letting junk food into your home, fill your kitchen cupboards with healthier foods and snacks so when hunger pangs strike, you’ll reach for something that’s good for you.

Here are a few food items you should stock up on:

Fruits
Unsweetened or unsalted popcorn
Baby carrots
Nuts and seeds
Hard-boiled eggs

Stop Drinking Soda

Research has linked soda to a host of health troubles, including obesity, diabetes, and a plethora of other troubles. And if you believe diet soda is a good alternative, you’re WRONG.

Diet soda is just as bad as regular soda. A study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center showed that subjects who drank two cans of diet soda are more likely to gain weight compared to those who didn’t drink the stuff. That’s right – they gained weight instead of losing it.

Don’t drink your calories. Doing so is even worse than eating junk food. Have water instead of soda, and you’ll be thinner and far healthier for it. Here’s How to measure body fat percentage

Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

A study published in Current Obesity Reports found that alcohol intake increases the risk of weight gain, especially for heavy drinkers.

And according to a UK survey, drinking alcohol weakens willpower and inhibits healthy eating decisions, making you more likely to indulge in high-fat high-calorie foods such as pizza, burgers, and chips.

If alcohol is your diet downfall, then you need to cut it out, or at least, have control over your drinking.

Drink More Water

Your body uses water to metabolize fat stores, and relies on it for every other process as well.

Water has no calories at all and can help you feel full, making it less likely that you’ll fill yourself up with more food.

Instead of drinking juices and soft drinks, I urge you to start drinking more water.

Shoot for at least 10 to 12 cups of water per day. Drink plenty of water before your workouts, during your workouts, and immediately afterward too.

Make sure your body is well hydrated throughout the day. You’ll feel fitter and healthier when you do so, and dampen any penchant for gorging at the same time.

Drink Water Before a Meal

Chugging a glass of water before a meal will help regulate your appetite, as the water will take up room in your stomach.

Research shows you can lose up to 30 percent more weight simply by having two cups of water before each meal.

Another study from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. found that drinking roughly 16 ounces of H2O 30 minutes before a meal promotes weight loss, without making any other dietary changes.

Drink Green Tea

I believe that green tea is the healthiest drink on the planet, right after water.

Why?

This remarkable beverage is rich in antioxidants, fights cancer and contains brain-healthy compounds and a host of other health-promoting and vital nutrients.

Not only that, according to a study published in the Journal of Nurse Practitioners, green tea can help you reduce your appetite and increase your metabolism, both of which are essential for weight loss.

Add green tea to your diet plan. Stick to two to three cups a day and opt for brewing your own instead of choosing bottled versions to avoid added calories and artificial chemicals and sweeteners.

Remember, adding sugar and cream to your tea will wipe out any weight loss benefits, so get used to drinking your tea with no sweeteners or adornment.

Snack Smart

Dumb snacking— and especially snacking on high-sugar, highly processed foods with little or no nutritional value — can compromise your weight loss goals.

Smart snacking between meals can tame hunger and control appetite, helping you prevent overeating and keep you from making bad food choices when meal time rolls around.

If you snack often, do it the smart way. Healthy ideas include hard-boiled eggs, apples, or a handful of nuts, seeds or dried fruits.

Don’t be a Perfectionist

Practice the 90/10 rule. What’s that?

As a rule of thumb, 90 percent of your diet should focus on healthy food (vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats) while the remaining 10 percent can be devoted to “cheat meals.”

By adhering to this simple rule, you’ll indulge your sweet tooth and satisfy your cravings without throwing your whole intake out of balance.

Cheat meals are vital for a healthy diet, as long as you are doing them right.

Feel free to cheat every now and then. That’s how you’ll stay sane for the long haul. Just keep it to one meal, not every meal throughout the entire day.

Exercise Tips

Start Slowly

Whether you’re thinking about starting a running program, hitting the weight room, hiring a personal trainer, or joining a CrossFit class, starting slow is the way to go.

Once you decide on a workout program, start slow and stay within your fitness level at all times.

If you’re a beginner with little exercise experience, start with two to three workouts per week that last at least 30 minutes per session. As you get fitter, you can slowly and gradually ramp it up until you reach your challenge point.

Start Running

Running is one of the best exercises you can do to lose weight and get fit for good. This sport is convenient and sheds mad calories. All you need is a pair of good running shoes, and you’re ready to go.

This whole blog is about running and the many ways you can incorporate it into your life, so why wait?

Here are the resources you need to get started without risking injury or burnout.

Lift Weights

Weightlifting is an INTEGRAL part of any weight loss program. If you’re skipping the strength room, you’re missing out.

Strength training builds muscles, and the more muscles you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be. This means you’ll burn more calories, even when you’re not working out. Isn’t that a good thing?

Add at least two strength workouts to your training program.

For the highest calorie burn, train your entire body in each workout. Focus on total-body exercises that challenge the large muscle groups, like pushups, squats, deadlifts, planks, lunges, and pull-ups.

Additional link – Slow running vs fast running for weight loss

Go Swimming

Swimming is a great low-impact option that burns mad calories without putting a lot of pressure on your body.

A 160-pound person can burn up to 520 calories by swimming laps for an hour. The exact number of calories burned depends on a wide range of factors, including weight, age, fitness level, and training intensity.

Swimming uses all of the body’s muscles, so with each kick, push, and stroke you’re performing a mini strength workout for your entire body, especially your glutes, core, hips, arms, and shoulders.

Do Yoga Two Times Per Week

Yoga is another low-impact exercise that can help you melt fat without breaking a sweat. According to research, overweight subjects who rolled out their yoga mat at least once a week for four years lost more weight than those who didn’t take the time to practice.

Yoga can also help you become more flexible, reduces stress and promotes a general sense of health and well-being. I could go and on about its benefits.

Add at least a couple of yoga sessions into your training program, either by following a yoga DVD program or enrolling in a class — make sure to do it with good form. You’re always better off doing yoga with the guidance of a certified professional. Once you nail the form, you can practice it in the comfort of your home.

Additional resource – Guide to running terms

Shoot for 10,000+ Steps Every Day

According to research conducted at Arizona State University, people leading an active lifestyle typically take over 10,000 steps per day.

This is very helpful if you can’t afford going to a gym, or if you’re looking for more ways to be active that don’t involve intense exercise.

10,000 steps a day might seem like too much walking, but it’s not. There are always opportunities to squeeze in more walks during everyday situations.

You’ve got plenty of options. Meet up with a friend and walk around the neighborhood or park. Go to a museum. Take a walk during your lunch break. If it’s possible, walk to work instead of taking a car or public transportation.

To make sure you’re on the right path, use a pedometer or fitness tracker to keep tabs on your daily steps.

Additional resource – How to reduce sugar intake

Challenge Yourself

Real growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone. If you stick to the same exercise routine—whether it’s weightlifting, running, swimming, or anything else —you’ll invite boredom and training plateaus.

On the other hand, constant challenges lead to improvement.

I encourage you to challenge yourself to lift more weight, to run farther in the same amount of time, to make even the tiniest and smallest improvement. It all counts.

HIIT it Hard

High-intensity interval training is, by far, the ideal training method to help you burn calories and improve your fitness level. Countless studies have shown HIIT to be effective for weight loss as well as for improving fitness level. It’s like nothing else.

HIIT is all about mixing high-intensity exercise with low-to-moderate intensity exercises.

I have used it. I have done it. And I love it. I bet you will love it too once you get used to it and learn how to do it right.

Here’s your complete guide to the HIIT method.

Sprint It Out

Sprints are the ultimate form of high-intensity interval training. They’re simple, intense, and scalable, so you can always readjust them to fit your needs and training goals.

During sprint intervals, you alternate between running as fast as possible for a set distance and brief periods of slow jogging for recovery.

Here’s how to proceed with a sprint session.

After a thorough warm-up of 10 minutes, perform eight to ten 30-second, full effort sprints at your maximum speed.

Take one minute of recovery between each sprint, then finish your session with a 5-minute cooldown.

Run Some Hills

Hill reps are the next level of track sprints. They’re one of the best resistance exercises for the lower body, helping build strength and speed in your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves.

Hill sprints are also safer on your legs and take less time to perform than sprints.

Here’s how to proceed:

Find a steep hill that takes you 20 to 30 seconds to run to the top. Sprint up it as fast as you can, then slowly jog back down to recover.

Perform enough reps of this exercise for the session to last between 20 and 25 minutes, then end your workout with a 5-minute cooldown jog.

Here are five more hill workouts to try.

Rope Training

Rope training is one of the most under-utilized yet most effective training tools for increasing cardiovascular fitness. It speeds up weight loss and improves muscle endurance.

This training system is a fat burning machine. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, battling the ropes for one minute can burn up to 10.3 calories per minute. That translates to 400 to 500 calories in a 30-minute workout.

Battling ropes exercises target almost every muscle in the body, especially the core, the glutes, lower obliques, and abs.

Here’s a battle rope workout routine to try out.

Use Kettlebells

Kettlebells are cannonball-like weights with a handle. They are one of the best training tools you can add to your workouts if you want to get a leaner, stronger body without spending endless hours in the gym.

According to research conducted at the University of Wisconsin, kettlebell training burns as many calories per minute as running a 6-minute mile, amounting to 400 to 500 calories for a 30-minute workout.

Other research has found that kettlebell training can lessen shoulder, neck and back pain by strengthening upper body and core muscles.

Here’s a simple workout routine to try:

After a thorough 10-minute warm-up, do 12 reps of kettlebell squat thrusts immediately followed by 16 reps of kettlebell swings. Then do 12 kettlebell snatches, rest for one to two minutes, then repeat the whole circuit three to four times.

Here’s another kettlebell workout to try.

Stop Doing Crunches

Crunches, sit-ups, and other traditional ab exercises are a waste of time and energy.

Sit-Ups and crunches can lead to lower back pain and may even cause herniated discs. They’re boring and not that effective, especially when performed using bad form.

Instead, do planks (with all of its variations) or total-body exercises such as deadlifts, squats, or floor wipes.

Additional resource – How to rotate running shoes

Do Tempo Runs on the Treadmill

Also known as lactate threshold (LT) or threshold runs, this is a faster-paced workout that’s vital for improving metabolic fitness and maximizing the number of calories burned on the treadmill.

Here’s how to proceed:

First step: Warm up with five minutes of easy jogging,

Second step: Run a mile at 20 to 30 seconds slower than your half-marathon pace. It’s a pace that feels comfortably easy.

Third step: Pick up the pace every mile by 5 to 10 seconds until you’re running the final mile 20 seconds faster than your half marathon pace.

Fourth step: Finish the workout with a slow five-minute jog and some light stretching.

Hill Treadmill Intervals

The second treadmill workout is a hill interval routine.

Performing indoor hill intervals can help you get more out of your treadmill workout by simulating outside hill running. This is vital for increasing endurance and building killer lower-body strength.

Here’s a hill treadmill workout to try out:

First step: Warm-up.

Second step: Raise the incline to three or five percent, and run for 90-seconds at a pace that’s 15 seconds slower than your 10K pace. The pace should feel mildly challenging.

Third step: Recover by jogging slowly for one full minute with no incline.

Fourth step: Raise the incline to five or seven percent and run for another 90-seconds at 15 seconds slower than your 10K pace. Recover for one minute.

Fifth step: Repeat the fourth step three to six times, depending on your fitness level and goals. You could also opt for a steeper incline.

Sixth step: Cooldown.

Embrace Free Weights

According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, exercising with free weights instead of machines leads to greater muscle activation.

With free weights, you can target every muscle group in your body without wasting precious time moving from machine to machine or going back and forth between different pieces of equipment.

Also, free weights can help you achieve better symmetry between both sides of your body by forcing the weak side to work unaided by the dominant side. They’re also convenient, scalable and easy to learn.

I could go on and on about the effectiveness of free weights, but you get the big picture.

Start CrossFit

I love CrossFit, and I believe it’s one of the best workout programs out there for helping you to push yourself and keep improving.

There are nine basic exercises in most CF training routines. These include the deadlift; sumo deadlift high pull; shoulder press; push press; air squat (without the weights); front squat; overhead squat; and medicine ball clean.

As you get stronger, you’ll be doing other exercises such as sprints, pull-ups, burpees, sit-ups, box jumps, rowing, gymnastics ring work, and other exercises.

The Tabata Protocol

Dubbed “the fat burning miracle training routine,” the Tabata protocol is a form of high-intensity training scientifically proven to improve aerobic and anaerobic threshold as well as calorie burn.

Studies show that the typical Tabata workout routine can burn 12 to 15 calories per minute.

Here’s a sample workout:

Perform the following exercises for as many reps as possible in 20 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds before moving to the next exercise and doing it as fast as possible for 20 seconds. Shoot for six to eight total rounds, resting one minute between each round.

20 seconds of squat jumps, 10 seconds of rest
20 seconds of burpees, 10 seconds of rest
20 seconds of jumping lunges, 10 seconds of rest
20 seconds of push-ups, 10 seconds of rest
20 seconds of kettlebell swings, 10 seconds of rest

Here’s another Tabata workout routine to try.

Medicine Ball Training

Medicine balls are powerful and can be a great addition to your training arsenal.

What I love about medicine ball exercises is that they’re some of the best and most challenging core exercises you can ever do, building both muscular power and endurance while pushing your cardiovascular system to its breaking point.

Here’s a medicine ball workout to try.

Squat to chest pass
Suitcase crunch
Diagonal chop
Russian twist
Lunge to rotation

Here’s another medicine ball workout to try.

Add Short Cardio After Each Weight Workout

Engaging in intense exercise after 45 minutes-to-an-hour of weight training guarantees that the activity right after will immediately use up fat as the primary source of energy.

In other words, the window right after your weight workout session is prime fat-burning time. Make the most of it!

Here are three workout finishers to try:

Workout Finisher One

Do three rounds of:

Plate push for 30 seconds
Kettlebell swings, 15 reps
Med-ball thrusters, 15 reps

Workout Finisher Two

Do three sets of:

Lunge jumps, 20 reps
Burpee, 15 reps
Jump rope for one full minute

Workout Finisher Three

300-yard shuttle sprints.

Place two cones or water bottles roughly 25 yards apart, then run as fast as you can back and forth between the cones eight to ten times. Aim to touch the cones each time.

Try a Group Fitness Class

If you’re more of an extrovert and enjoy the company of others, consider joining a group fitness class.

These classes are a great way to stay on track, up the ante with your workouts, and meet active and like-minded people. As an added benefit, peer pressure can do wonders for your weight loss journey.

The good news is that there are a wide range of classes available, and you’re sure to find something that fits your budget, fitness level, and training goals.

Different classes offer different exercises and workout routines geared around building strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Try CrossFit, join an MMA class, try a spinning class, or enroll in a boot camp class. Just find a class you like and attend it consistently.

Try an Outdoor Activity

Working out outdoors not only helps you lose weight, it also provides a lot of health benefits.

Studies show that exercising outdoors boosts vitality, self-esteem, and enthusiasm and lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Braving the outdoors can help you reduce tension, fatigue, and depression.

Here’s a list of outdoor activities and sports that will put your gym workouts to shame:

Biking
Kayaking
Stand-up paddleboarding
Skating
Frisbee
Surfing
Rowing
Bouldering
Hiking
Trekking
Beach volleyball
Rock climbing
Badminton

Follow a Workout Plan

If you have a good plan, or even a mediocre plan, you’re more likely to lose weight and achieve your fitness goals than those who don’t have a plan at all.

The best workout plans involve working out three to four times per week, depending on your current fitness level and training goals.

Start your workouts with a proper warm-up, do the workout, then finish with a cool-down and a few stretches.

Never been to a gym? Ask a trainer for some advice, or hire them if you have a budget. It’s important that you start off on the right foot and build up the right way. If you’re unsure where to start or want to find a qualified personal trainer in your area, you can compare personal trainers near you using a comprehensive directory. A directory allows you to compare trainers based on their qualifications, experience, and client reviews, helping you make an informed decision about hiring a trainer that’s right for you.

Start a Workout Journal

In addition to regular fitness tests, one of the best ways I know of measuring your fitness progress (or lack thereof) is keeping track of your training routines and cycles in a workout journal.

I’d go so far as to say that keeping a workout journal is as important as training itself, especially if you’re serious about reaching your full potential.

Get yourself a workout diary and keep tabs of all your activities: training sessions, workout routines, daily miles, weights used, reps performed, number of sets, energy levels, performance numbers, and everything else.

Schedule Your Workout

To ensure training consistency, schedule your workouts the same way you schedule your important work meetings or family events.

By giving your training routine the same level of importance that you give your school deadlines, work meetings, and unpaid taxes, you’ll increase your odds of following through and staying consistent with it—especially if you lead a hectic life.

Spend at least 10 minutes every Sunday night planning your workouts for the week, the same way you would with other obligations.

Choose at least two workouts and schedule them the way you would an appointment that you don’t want to miss. These will be the most important workouts of the week, and should preferably include a total-body strength workout and an intense cardio session.

Jot down the exact time you are going to exercise on your daily calendar, then treat your workouts like an unbreakable commitment.

Exercise First Thing in the Morning

Research shows that people who work out first thing in the morning are more likely to stay consistent with their training programs than those who skip morning workouts.

When you exercise first thing in the morning, you’re done – you don’t have to worry about doing it later in the day. You also get the mental boost of knowing that you’ve accomplished what you need to do for the day while the rest of the world is still asleep.

Exercising in the morning is a great way to help you wake up, boost your energy levels and increase your brainpower and productivity for the rest of the day.

Go to bed 60 to 90 minutes earlier than usual so that you have enough time and have rested enough for a workout first thing in the morning.

Pair Up with a Training Buddy

According to research conducted at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine, working out with a partner speeds up weight loss results.

The more you rub shoulders with people who support your goals and your vision, the more likely you are to succeed.

Chances are you be more consistent with your workouts when you have a training buddy to motivate you who will hold you accountable for your action.

Whether you’re trying to get into better shape or just want to shed a few extra pounds, be sure to schedule your workouts (or at least some of them) with a workout partner.

Hire a Personal Trainer

If you’re looking to get the most out of every hour you spend working out, hire a personal trainer. They can help you learn proper form, hold you accountable to your goals, devise a smart workout strategy, overcome physical and emotional obstacles, and teach you how to safely adjust your workouts so you can keep on getting real results without hurting yourself.

Once you find a trainer you like, ask them to take you through a fitness assessment to identify your weaknesses and muscular imbalances. Doing this will help them come up with a well-rounded workout routine that fits your current fitness needs and future goals.

Do What You Love

In my opinion, the best exercise program in the world is the activity you already love doing.

When you choose to do an exercise you love, you’ll have more fun doing it and be more likely to keep doing it over the long haul, so if you like running, then run.

If you like swimming, then swim.

If you like skating, then skate.

If you like boxing, then box.

If you prefer lifting weights, then pump it hard.

If you like them all, then alternate between them as often as you like, for at least 30 to 40 minutes a day.

Do whatever you want. You’re the boss. You’re in charge.

The list of possible workout options available to you is long and varied; you have to find something you love doing.

Practice Proper Recovery

Spending endless hours working out eventually leads to diminishing returns. If your current workout routine doesn’t allow for proper rest, you’re flirting with disaster.

Inadequate recovery hinders your ability to train, and might set the stage for injury, burnout, and serious trouble. Becoming a workout addict will only get you in trouble, so you need to make sure to build good recovery habits.

For starters, space out your hard workouts, especially interval and intense strength sessions, with at least two days of rest. Take as many recovery days as you need, especially when experiencing symptoms of overtraining such as elevated heart rate or chronic soreness and fatigue.

Sleep is also essential for proper recovery. Aim for at least eight hours of high quality and uninterrupted sleep per night. You can also plan for a recovery week by decreasing your training volume 50 to 60 percent for every four to five weeks of training.

Motivation Tips

Manufacture Motivation

Motivation is of paramount importance, and maybe the most important thing on this list. On your weight loss journey, you’ll need lots of inspiration to help keep your inner fires burning.

What are some ways to keep motivation going strong?

You’ve got plenty of options. Read real-life success stories. Read fitness blogs and magazines and books. Use the reward system and the buddy system. Take before and after pictures. Set weight loss goals and make them public, Use mantras and motivational quotes.

Just be open and try them all.

Here’s a lit of my favorite fitness quotes.

Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

This is a good checklist to consider when you’re about to set goals for yourself.

S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused and Time-bound. SMART goals are the right way to go about setting weight loss goals.

Setting smart goals can be the difference between success and failure. They will help keep you focused and motivated.

Here’s what you need to do. Come up with one weight loss goal and one performance goal, and keep these two goals somewhere visible, so you’re reminded of them every day.

For example, your goals might be “Lose 15 pounds in three months” and “Run three times per week for the next three months.”

Over the long term, the best weight loss goal is to lose one to two pounds a week. That may not seem like much, but if you keep doing it consistently, it adds up.

Do it for a month, and you’d shed 4 to 8 pounds.

Do it for three months, and you’d shed 12 to 20 pounds.

You get the picture. It might not be as fast as you’d like it to be, but slow and steady is what will help you win the flab race.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to set fitness goals, check this post.

Go Public With Your Goals

Research shows that if you make your goals public, you’ll be more likely to stick with your healthy lifestyle plan. It keeps you accountable for your behavior and your habits.

Your social circle can encourage you and push you to do your best and never give up.

I encourage you to make your weight loss goals public and commit to giving regular updates to your family members, friends or social circle every week or month.

Also share them on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.

Enlist Your Friends and Family For Support

The weight loss journey is not a smooth ride, so you’re going to need all the support you can get.

A strong support system can be the difference between success and failure. A study revealed that people who had the support of their social circle lost more weight than those who didn’t.

Let your family and friends keep you motivated and hold you accountable for your actions, making sure you never deviate from your weight loss journey.

At the same time, you need to banish negative people from your life. They’ll only bring you down and hamper your progress. You’re better off restricting yourself to spending time with people who believe in you and support your goals.

Get Your Partner on Board

When you go on a weight loss journey, your entire life has to change to make the changes you need. If you’re married or live with a partner, your decision will affect them too, so they need to be on board and provide their support.

Your partner’s heartfelt support can make the difference between reverting back to old, damaging ways and accomplishing the fitness goals you’ve set for yourself.

Where appropriate, consider starting a weight loss journey together: it’s a great way to keep each other on track.

One way or another, start preparing healthier dishes together. Eat at home more. Keep each other accountable. Go running together. Join a gym class. Build a home gym.

Use Online Support Networks

A study conducted by Britain’s Medical Research Council (MRC) found that people who joined a weight loss support group lost more weight than those who hadn’t.

A support group can help you talk through your troubles, provide you with practical solutions to your problems, and most importantly remind you that you’re not alone. Look for these online message boards, join one, then open up and talk about your struggles and victories.

Here’s a list of websites to check out:

Spark People

Diet.com

FitLink

Peer Trainer

Weight Loss Buddy

Weight Loss Wars

Weigh Yourself Once a Week

Keeping track of your weight is a good strategy, but obsessing over it is counterproductive. Your weight isn’t everything, and it doesn’t tell your whole story.

Stepping on the scale every day can have a negative impact on you. Your weight will fluctuate from day to day, and if you weight yourself daily, you’ll find yourself in a constant battle of ups and downs.

Most experts recommend that you weigh yourself once a week under the same conditions—preferably at the same time and on the same weekday. The best time is in the morning, shortly after finishing your morning ritual and just before you’ve eaten.

Take Progress Pictures

As I’ve already said, the scale only tells one side of the story. To get a full picture of your progress, you need to start taking pictures of your fitness and weight loss journey on a weekly basis.

Taking before and after pictures is not only perfect for keeping track of your progress, the “before” pictures can also be a huge wake-up call and provide the exact motivation kick you need to make your weight loss vision a concrete reality.

Here’s a short video to show you how to take your progress pictures the right way:

Track Other Body Stats

Weekly weigh-ins and photo shoots are often enough, but if you want a clearer picture of your weight loss journey, start tracking some other important body stats.

Here are the main ones to take and write down:

Weekly measurements of your hips, chest, waist, upper arms, thighs
Body fat percentage should be checked on a monthly basis using a body fat caliper

Additionally, use fewer objective measures of your progress. Ask another person — preferably a trusted friend or family member —for honest feedback, and check how your clothes fit. Are they looser than before?

Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself for progress can help reinforce your new habits and provide you with the motivation you need to continue with your journey, so after reaching a performance or weight loss goal, treat yourself to something nice.

Some of the best things you can do to reward yourself include shopping for smaller sized clothes, going to the movies, taking a surfing lesson, taking a vacation to your dream destination, spending a weekend at the spa, reading a book, binge-watching your favorite show, or just sleeping in. It doesn’t matter whether it’s expensive or free, far-flung or in your home, as long as it is something that gives you pleasure and is not about food.

Sign Up for a Race

To keep yourself exercising regularly, consider signing up for a 5K race. This is a perfect distance for beginner runners who are looking to build cardio power and fitness the right way.

You can find plenty of 5K races in your city or cities near you by checking websites like Runners World or Running in the USA for local races and dates.

After signing up for a 5K race, find a training program to help get you ready and fit enough to cross the finish line.

As a general guideline, most 5K training plans last 8 to 12 weeks, so you signing up for one will give you a plan within a reasonable amount of time to get you in shape.

Lifestyle and Mindset Tips

Take Responsibility for Unhealthy Habits

You’re the one in charge.

You choose the script by which you live your life, and you’re the king or queen of your actions. No one is responsible for them but you.

Bad habits or not, they’re yours. You’re the one responsible for changing it. No one else.

You’ve built your habits through repetition, and through repetition, you can break them too.

Take conscious responsibility for your everyday actions—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Doing so is empowering because it lets you realize that you’re the master of your destiny.

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of sleep will not only make your life miserable, it’ll also make your waistline bigger.

Research study after research study has revealed that sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to be overweight and to suffer from a plethora of health troubles.

Sleep deprivation can boost hunger, muscle loss, and unwanted weight gain, so log at least 8 hours of high quality, uninterrupted slumber each night.

Relax

According to research, stress is a primary cause of weight gain, while relaxation and calm can facilitate healthy weight loss.

When we’re stressed, we seek comfort and emotional release in food, usually by reaching for high-calorie, unhealthy foods.

Stress also increases the release of the hormone cortisol, known as a key culprit behind stubborn belly fat.

To tame stress, try meditating, taking long walks in nature, talking out your problems with a friend, getting enough sleep, getting rid of friction in your life, doing yoga, look into anti-stress supplements or therapy.

The bottom line is don’t ignore your stress. As long as you’re dealing with your it in a positive and constructive manner, you’re in the right place.

Try Meditation

Sitting blissfully on a cushion for endless hours does not burn a lot of calories, but research shows that mindfulness—one of the many benefits brought about by meditation—is key for weight loss and overall health and well-being levels.

Studies show that people who practice meditation on a regular basis are less likely to give in to emotional eating or unhealthy bingeing.

Meditation practice can also help lower high blood pressure levels and helps to manage stress, one of the primary causes of overeating and making bad food choices.

So what you are waiting for? The science backing up meditation is IRREFUTABLE.

Start with short meditation sessions lasting no more than 10 minutes. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Whenever your mind wanders—and it will have the tendency to do so— bring it back and keep focusing on each exhalation and inhalation.

Brush Your Teeth More Often

If you brush and floss your teeth right after dinner, you’ll find yourself less likely to crave snacks or sweet desserts late at night. This sets you up right for avoiding late night snacking.

It also helps keep your gums healthy and your teeth clean.

Additionally, if you follow this train of thought and brush your teeth after every meal, it will make you less likely to snack between meals.

Check Your Hormones With a Blood Panel

By learning more about your hormonal situation, you give yourself a better idea of the nutritional and lifestyle changes you need to speed up your weight loss and increase your energy and health.

A blood panel can help you assess your levels of the stress hormone cortisol, whether your adrenals are insufficient, whether you’re low in vitamin D3, or whether your cholesterol and blood sugar levels are within the normal healthy range.

Embrace the Cold

Spending time in relatively chilly temperatures can help you burn more calories, even if you’re just sitting around doing nothing. This may sound crazy, but research backs it up.

According to a study published in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, cooler temperatures can increase calorie burn by up to 30 percent, while another study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigations found that people who spend a couple of hours a day in mild cold—approximately 63 degrees F—for a period of six weeks burned more energy than those who spent the same amount of time in warmer temperatures.

Next time you’re thinking about skipping an outdoor workout because it’s too cold, remember that the cold is your weight loss friend.

Handle Social Festivities the Right Way

Studies show that most people gain two to ten pounds during the winter months, and one of the main reasons for this weight gain is the eating festivities during the holidays.

The best thing you can do to counter this effect is to eat before you go to a party. It will help curb your hunger and take the edge off your appetite.

If you want to go all out, you can also bring your healthy foods to make sure you have an alternative to the high calorie, fat-laden dishes your host or hostess is serving.

Watch Your Weekends

It’s totally doable to stick with a healthy diet and exercise plan during the week, but once the freedom of the weekend arrives, a lot of people take a break from their weight-loss resolution. This is a mistake. Doing so will only set you back and undo all your efforts from the week before.

You need to be conscientious when you’re attending that happy hour after work on Friday, the restaurant dinner on Saturday, and the home-cooked meal on Sunday. Otherwise, your weekends will turn into diet landmines that undo each week’s worth of healthy dieting and exercise.

Eating poorly and skipping workouts from Friday to Sunday add up to a whopping 12 days off a month. Not a good idea.

Be Patient

Patience is a virtue. It helps you reduce stress, control cravings, set the right goals, and most importantly it will keep you consistent, especially when all the odds are stacked against you.

Patience allows you to see beyond the current (unpleasant) moment to a future in which you’ve already achieved what you’re after.

Said in a different way, the more patient you are, the more likely you are to succeed.

Take the time you need to learn about what type of exercise works best for you, as well as about the various foods that offer the best nutrition.

Take Action

“Nothing happens until something moves.”—Albert Einstein.

Every minute you’re sitting around thinking about losing weight, surfing the net for magical diets, or checking Facebook, you’re not doing what’s needed to achieve your weight loss goals.

Regardless of how much you want to do to change your life or lead a healthier lifestyle, nothing will happen until you actually DO something. You can talk about starting a workout program and developing healthier eating habits as much as you want, but nothing will change until you start taking action.

This means you need to get moving NOW.

Here’s what you need to do: make a list of the lifestyle changes you want to see happen, then give yourself time to make each one a part of your life.

Practice Kaizen

The philosophy of Kaizen is all about going after small, continuous improvement. It builds up over time — over weeks, months and years of regular practice.

This approach is the best way to banish short-term and silver bullet thinking.

Achieving a healthy lifestyle is a marathon rather than a sprint. Slow, and steady will win the race.

Embrace the philosophy of small, continuous improvement and aim to get 1 percent better each day. Begin every morning by asking yourself what the one thing is that you can do today to improve your fitness and health? Start super small and go about achieving it.

There are hundreds of these little things, and if you keep adding one a day, they will quickly build up.

After you Lose the Weight, Stick to Your New Lifestyle

Research shows that most people gain back most of the weight they lose less than two years after losing it. This is atrocious.

Losing weight is hard enough. Gaining it back sucks.

Once you reach your target weight, keep in mind that you’ve only won half of the battle. You need to do your best not to revert to your old ways.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but the real secret to reaching your ideal weight and staying at that weight for life is to make a lifelong commitment to the all the diet, lifestyle and exercise habits listed above.

The moment you go back to your old ways is the moment when the pounds start creeping back.

If you’re serious about losing weight and never gaining it back again, you need to understand that your weight and health consciousness doesn’t ever stop.

All of it. The healthy eating. The sleeping. The running. It doesn’t stop.

You need to keep things going, prevent slip-ups and come up with creative ways to spice up your workouts and cope with whatever life throws at you.

Remember: It’s all About Creating a Calorie Deficit

Weight loss is all about creating a calorie deficit.

At this point you surely know that weight loss is a numbers game. Nothing more and nothing less.

If you eat more calories than you burn, you’ll gain weight.

If you burn more calories than you eat, you’ll lose weight.

A healthy weight loss goal is to aim for a 500 calorie deficit per day, and the best way to accomplish that goal is to do a mix of healthy eating and smart exercise.

That’s it. Weight loss, in its basic form, is a numbers game

Find What Works Best For You

Please keep in mind that the subject of weight loss—whether it’s diet, exercise or lifestyle-related—is one of the most controversial topics out there. Most of the tips and strategies I’m sharing with you are based on my own experience and research.

There are some contradictory tips—for instance, intermittent fasting versus eating breakfast—but there are some great ones here too.

What’s important to remember is that nothing is written in stone. Take all the tips with a grain of salt and remember that everyone is different and responds differently to different diet and exercise methods. Just because a weight loss tactic works for someone else, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you.

Feel free to experiment to find what works the best for you.

Bonus Tip: Never Give up

This is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to losing weight and keeping if off for good.

Weight loss resolutions fail because people give up way too often and way too early in their journey.

Whatever you do, please don’t give up.

Don’t give up.

Don’t ever give up.

You’re going to have bad days, weeks, maybe even bac months. But don’t give up.

Shit happens. It’s part of life.

If you fail one day, the next day is a new start. Get up and go after it again. Change your approach, find a way to do things differently to make it work for you.

Please, please, please don’t let your past mistakes or past failures define who you are. You are much more than your past.

Welcome failure and let it shape your approach and course of action.

Conclusion

Boy, that was a long post! If you’ve made it this far, I applaud you for your commitment. You’re the best.

You rock for taking the time to invest in yourself.

Now go take action on what you’ve just learned, and thank you for reading my post.

Feel free to leave your questions and comments below.

David D.

Please share this post on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, StumbleUpon, and other social media websites. Help me spread the word.

Featured Image Credit – Byong Wook via Flickr

Revitalize Your Fitness Routine with These Beach-Inspired Workouts!

October 31, 2023January 14, 2016 by David Dack

If you’re yearning to inject a dose of excitement into your workout routine, you’re in for a treat! Whether you’re a beach bum or a landlocked fitness enthusiast, this guide is here to light up your exercise routine like a summer sunrise.

Today, I’m thrilled to spill the beans on some fantastic exercises that can turbocharge your strength, speed, and agility, all while you bask in the sandy embrace of the beach.

Now, you might wonder, “Where can I partake in these sandy delights?” Well, of course, the beach is the ultimate playground, but fear not if you don’t live seaside! A long jump pit or a sand volleyball court can serve as your fitness canvas as long as there’s sand beneath your toes, ample space, and a safe workout environment.

Ready? Let’s go!

Benefits of Sand Workouts

Sand workouts can offer a range of advantages that make them an excellent addition to your training routine.

Here’s why you should consider incorporating them into your training plan:

Lower Body Strength:

Running in the sand engages the muscles below the knee, including your ankles and toes, in unique ways that flat surfaces can’t replicate. The added resistance of the sand challenges these muscles, making them stronger and more resilient.

Stabilizer Muscles:

Sand workouts require you to constantly adjust your balance as the sand shifts underfoot. This engages your stabilizer muscles, which are often underused in regular running. Strengthening these muscles can enhance your overall stability and reduce the risk of injury.

Increased Challenge:

Performing bodyweight exercises on sand adds an extra layer of difficulty due to the resistance it provides. It pushes your muscles to work harder, making your workouts more challenging and rewarding.

Speed and Agility:

Sand’s resistance forces your muscles to adapt and become more powerful. This can translate to improved speed and explosiveness in your running, helping you become a faster and more agile athlete.

Beach Vibes:

If you’re fortunate enough to live near a beach, sand workouts offer a refreshing change from the gym’s monotony. Exercising in the sun and natural surroundings can boost your mood and add a new dimension to your fitness routine.

Minimal Equipment:

One of the best things about sand workouts is that they require very little equipment. You’ll need your running shoes (or you can go barefoot), your body weight, and, of course, sand. It’s a convenient and accessible way to challenge both your aerobic and anaerobic systems.

Choose the Right Beach

Choosing the right beach is a crucial first step when planning your sand workout. Not all beaches offer the same conditions, and your choice can significantly impact your experience.

Beaches can vary widely in terms of their surface. Some may have slanted or uneven terrain, while others could be littered with rocks and debris, which can be uncomfortable.

While it might seem like soft sand would be easier on your muscles and joints, it can actually be quite challenging to run on. Soft sand has a lot of “give,” making each step more demanding and increasing the risk of foot and ankle injuries, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. For a safer and more comfortable workout, opt for firmer sand, which provides adequate cushioning without the added strain.

What’s more?

Wet sand near the water’s edge is often the best choice for a sand workout. It offers a firm yet supportive surface that’s easier on your body. Start your runs here, and as your lower body strengthens and you become more accustomed to running in the sand, you can gradually progress to softer sand if desired.

Additional resource – Trx exercises for runners

Protect Yourself from The Sun

Beach running comes with its own set of challenges, including exposure to direct sunlight. Protecting your skin from the sun is essential to avoid sunburns and reduce the risk of skin issues, including skin cancer.

For starters, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin. Opt for a sunscreen with a high SPF, ideally 50 or higher, and make sure to apply it generously. Reapply as needed, especially if you’re sweating. Sunscreen is your primary defense against harmful UV rays.

Try to schedule your beach runs during the early morning or late evening when the sun’s intensity is lower. Avoid running during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

What’s more?

Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts to cover your arms and upper body. Consider adding a running hat or visor to shield your face from the sun. Sunglasses with UV protection can also help protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Depending on your preferences and needs, you may want to invest in specialized beach running gear. For example, women may find athletic tankinis suitable for beach workouts as they offer both comfort and coverage.

Manage Your Expectations

Research indicates that beach running can burn up to 1.6 times more calories per mile compared to running on typical surfaces. This increased calorie expenditure is due to the added resistance of the sand, which engages your muscles more intensely.

That’s why you should adjust your pace. Beach running is significantly more challenging, so don’t expect to maintain your usual running pace. Be prepared to slow down and adjust your expectations. It’s essential to listen to your body and prioritize building strength and endurance over speed.

What’s more?

Running on soft sand can alter your running form, as it requires more effort to stabilize yourself. Pay attention to your form, engage your core, and maintain good posture to reduce the risk of injury.

Additional resource – One-mile training plan

The Right Start

For your initial beach runs, stick to the hard, wet sand near the water’s edge. This firm surface is more forgiving and easier to run on compared to soft, dry sand. Limit your first sessions to around 15 to 20 minutes to prevent overexertion.

Beach running places unique demands on your muscles and joints. Slowly increase your running time by adding 5-minute increments as your body adjusts to the sand. Be patient and prioritize a gradual progression to avoid overuse injuries.

While wet sand is an excellent starting point, don’t confine yourself to a single surface. As you gain confidence, incorporate short intervals (2-3 minutes) on the softer, drier sand. Afterward, switch to jogging or walking on the firm, wet sand to aid in recovery.

Although beach running offers fantastic benefits, refrain from doing all your runs on the beach, especially as a beginner. Overdoing beach running can increase the risk of Achilles tendon and ankle issues. Maintain a balanced training program that includes various surfaces.

Barefoot or Not

Beach running, with its pristine scenery and invigorating feel, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, the choice of whether to run barefoot or wear shoes is crucial, especially for beginners. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right decision:

Running Barefoot

Pros:

Offers a unique sensory experience as you connect directly with the sand.
Strengthens foot muscles and enhances proprioception (awareness of body position).
Provides a more natural running gait and encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike.

Cons:

Requires calloused feet to avoid blisters and discomfort.
Puts added stress on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles, increasing the risk of soreness or injury.
Offers minimal protection against sharp objects in the sand, like rocks and seashells.
May exacerbate or lead to issues such as Achilles problems, plantar fasciitis, or ankle sprains due to the lack of support.

Running with Shoes:

Pros:

Provides support and cushioning, reducing stress on the feet and lower legs.
Offers protection against sharp objects hidden in the sand.
Suitable for runners who haven’t conditioned their feet for barefoot running.
Reduces the risk of developing or aggravating foot and lower leg issues.

Cons:

Limits the direct sensory experience of the sand.
May encourage a heel strike, which can be less efficient than a midfoot or forefoot strike.
Tips for Running with Shoes on the Beach:
Opt for lightweight, flexible-soled trainers designed for natural movement.
Choose shoes with a tight mesh to prevent sand from entering while maintaining breathability.
Ensure a snug fit to prevent blisters and discomfort.
Regularly inspect your shoes for sand and debris to maintain their performance.

Additional resource – How To walk 10,000 steps everyday

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for a successful and safe beach run. Here are some key tips to help you stay hydrated before, during, and after your run:

Pre-run Hydration:

Aim to drink approximately one ounce of water for every 10 pounds of body weight in the three to four hours leading up to your run. This will help ensure that you start your run properly hydrated.

Be mindful of your timing to allow for a restroom break before you start your run.

Hydration During Your Beach Run:

For beach runs lasting longer than 30 minutes, it’s crucial to carry water with you or plan your route near water sources where you can hydrate.

Sweat Test for Hydration:

Perform a sweat test to gauge your hydration needs.

Here’s how:

Weigh yourself before your beach run.
Run as usual, and try to maintain your typical pace and effort.
After your run, weigh yourself again.
The difference in weight reflects the amount of fluid you’ve lost through sweating during your run.

To determine your fluid loss, know that 1 pound of body weight is approximately equal to 16 ounces (or 473 milliliters) of fluid. For example, if you lost 2 pounds during your run, you should aim to replace about 32 ounces (946 milliliters) of fluid.

Additional Tips for Hydration:

Listen to your body and drink when you feel thirsty during your run.
Consider carrying a hydration belt or handheld water bottle to stay properly hydrated while running.
In hot and sunny conditions, you may need to increase your fluid intake to account for increased sweat rates.
Rehydrate after your run by drinking water or a sports drink with electrolytes to replenish lost fluids and minerals.

Stay Safe

Safety should always be a top priority when embarking on your beach running adventures.

Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

Start Gradually: If you’re new to beach running, begin with shorter workouts lasting no more than 20 to 25 minutes. As you build strength and endurance, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your runs. This gradual approach reduces the risk of injury.
Protective Gear: Protect yourself from the elements. Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from glare, a hat to provide shade, and apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, especially in exposed areas.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you during your beach run to ensure you stay well-hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and other health issues.
Footwear: Choose appropriate footwear for beach running. Lightweight, flexible-soled running shoes offer support and protection while allowing you to adapt to the unstable surface.
Foot Care: Pay attention to your foot health. Running on sandy terrain can lead to blisters or discomfort if your feet aren’t used to it. Ensure your feet are in good condition, and consider using moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction.
Beach Conditions: Be aware of the beach conditions. Not all beaches are the same. Some may have uneven terrain, hidden obstacles like rocks or seashells, or soft sand that can be challenging to run on. Choose your running area wisely.
Timing: Avoid running during the hottest part of the day when the sun’s intensity is at its peak (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Opt for early morning or late afternoon runs when it’s cooler.

The 30 Minute Beach Running Workout

Looking for an effective and challenging beach running workout? Try this 30-minute routine that combines sprints, strength exercises, and a cool-down for a complete beach workout experience.

The Warm-up

Start your workout with a proper warm-up to prepare your body for exercise. Begin with a slow jog for 5 to 10 minutes to increase your heart rate. Incorporate dynamic exercises like squats, inchworms, and lunges to activate your muscles.

Exercise One: Sand Sprints

Sand sprints add an extra layer of resistance, making them more challenging than regular sprints. Follow these steps:

Find a flat section of sand and mark out a distance of 80 to 100 feet (or use landmarks like two canes).

Sprint as fast as you can from one marker to the next, ensuring each sprint lasts 15 to 20 seconds.

Take a 10-second break between sprints.

Focus on maintaining good sprinting form: run tall with a straight back, keep your torso and hips facing forward, and swing your arms back and forth with a 90-degree bend.

Be cautious if you have a history of Achilles tendinitis or ankle sprains, as running on sand can increase the risk of injury.

Exercise Two: Single-leg Jumps

Begin this exercise by jogging to create the forward momentum.

Next, after a few feet, forcefully push off with your lead foot, leaping from one leg to the other with minimal contact with the sand as you drive your lead arm forward.

Stay light on your feet the entire time.

Make sure to land with your knee slightly bent, moving immediately into the next jump.

Exercise Three: Prisoner Squat Jumps

Stand tall with your hands behind your head and feet shoulder-width apart.

Next, while keeping your chest up, arms in place, and head up, squat down as low as you can, then explode up and jump forward several feet.

As you land on the ground, assume a squat position to absorb the impact, then jump again.

Repeat the squat jumps 10 to 12 times, covering as much distance as possible without losing form.

Exercise Four: Walking Lunges

Assume a standing position with feet hip-width part, chest up, and core engaged.

Next, step your right foot forward and assume a low lunge position, bending both knees to a 90-degree angle.

Then, pull your body up over the right foot and step forward to the next lunge.

Just be careful here; performing walking lunges with bad form can lead to a high risk of an injury to your back, hips, knees, or ankles.

So, keep good form throughout the movement.

Exercise Five: Bear Crawl

Begin by standing feet hip-width apart, then bend your knees, fold forward, and place your hands about three to four feet in front of you. That’s your starting position.

Next, while keeping your hips back and core engaged, bear crawl (by walking your hands and feet) 20 feet forward, 20 feet laterally to the right, 20 feet backward, and 20 feet to the left back to the starting point.

To make it more challenging, add ten push-ups after every 20-foot crawl.

Exercise Six: High Knees

Begin by standing straight with your feet hip-width apart.

Then, run in place, bringing both of your knees up to your chest as you can.

Make sure also to pump your arms as fast as you can, aiming to land on the balls of your feet.

And please keep your core engaged, back flat, and chest up the entire time.

Exercise Seven: Butt Kicks

Begin by standing tall with feet shoulder-width apart and arms bent at the sides.

Next, flex your right foot and kick your heel up towards your butt.

Then repeat on the other side and continue alternating between each leg as fast as you can without losing form, and do your best to kick your heels to your glutes each time.

To gain speed and momentum, make sure to swing your arms as quickly as you can while using your core to control your body and to keep good form.

Stair Sprints Training – A Stair Workout For Runners

July 11, 2024January 14, 2016 by David Dack

Today I’m going to share with you another of my favorite exercise methods: stair training.

I first got interested in stair climbing workouts as means for improving my aerobic conditioning without spending more time hitting the pavement.

But as time progressed, I began also using it for lower body strength, agility, flexibility, and anaerobic conditioning.

Therefore, if you are thinking about adding a stair workout into your training program, then you came to the right place.

So are you excited?

Then here we go…

The Benefits of Stair Sprints Training

Here are some of the benefits to expect if you do stair workouts on a regular basis.

Improves VO2 max. The stairs can come in handy when you are looking to improve the maximum amount of oxygen used during intense training, AKA VO2 max.

In fact, just walking up 200 steps twice a day, five days a week for a period of two months can lead to a 17 percent increase in VO2 max, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Strengthens the legs. Climbing the stairs is one of the best exercises you can do to tone your lower body muscles, including your glutes, quads and calves, (but without the impact usually associated with running, or sprinting).

Costs nothing. As long you have access to a staircase, whether they are public stairs, bleachers, apartment blocks or stadium stairs, you are in the right place.

Offers variety. You can do all sorts of exercises on the staircase including, sprints, plyo moves, and variations of the standard bodyweight moves, such as push-ups, squats and lunges, adding more variety to your current training routine.

The Ultimate Stair Workout for Runners

I hope you are now aware of the many benefits that stair climbing has to offer.

Therefore, and without further ado, here is a high intensity interval training staircase workout I put together that cannot only help you boost fitness and strength, but also help you become the best runner you can be.

Find the Right Stairs

First off all, you need to locate a safe, well-lit stairs.

A high school or football stadium are some of the best venues to start stair training. You can also check out the bleachers or the local park for convenient stairs.

Nonetheless, if you couldn’t find any, then any large flight of stairs, even in your building or office, will work.

Next, make sure that the flight of stairs has at least 20 to 40 steps, or more.

It should take you up to 10 to 20 seconds to run up the whole flight.

Plus, make sure that your entire foot fits on the step tread.

This will make sure you have enough room to do the strength exercises, as well as help you run up and down without trouble.

Additional resource – Trx exercises for runners

Warming Up For Stair Workouts

Start your workout with the right warm-up to avoid muscle pulls and to get your body ready for the task ahead.

Jog slowly for 5 to 10 minutes, then do a set of dynamic moves, such as lunges, inchworms, squat, etc to loosen up your body and fire up your muscles.

Try this dynamic warm-up here.

Repeat it for two to three times before moving into the workout.

Note: Please be careful here. The workout I’m sharing with you today is intense, so if you haven’t done much intense exercise lately, then you need to be realistic and start with fewer reps, staying within your fitness skill the entire time.

So feel free to adjust the exercises below to your own fitness level and goals.

Nothing is written on stone here.

Stair Training Exercise One: Sprints

Begin facing the bottom of the stairs.

Next, sprint up the stairs as fast as you can, by pumping your arms vigorously by your sides and tapping each step and getting off that step as fast as you can, then walk back down to starting point.

Repeat six to eight more times, depending on your fitness levels and the length of the staircase.

Use proper technique when running up the stairs.

Keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet and knees aligned over your feet the entire time.

Please keep your back flat and run as straight as you can, allowing for no slouching or bending at the waist.

Stair Training Exercise Two: Step Forward Lunges

Begin at the bottom of the staircase, then step your right foot onto the second or third step, bending both knees to a 90-degree angle and lowering into a lunge.

Next, push off with your right foot, then propel yourself up the stairs, stepping your left leg up to meet your right, then stepping it forward and lowering into the next lunge.

Continue lunging forward until you reach the top of the stairs.

Keep your front knee tracking over your toes, and torso upright throughout the exercise.

Then walk down for recovery.

Stair Training Exercise Three: Squat Jumps

Start at the bottom of the stairs, then lower your hips down to a squat, engage your core, swing your arms, then hop up to the next step with both feet, landing in a squat.

Hold it for a moment, then jump up to the next step and keep squat jumping, transitioning effortlessly from squat to jump until you reach the top of the stairs.

If the steps are too close together, then jump high enough to skip two, even three, steps at a time.

Stair Training Exercise Four: Skip a Step

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydAjynaxqbU

Just like Exercise One but this time aim to sprint-jump high enough to skip a step or two.

Then quickly walk down for recovery.

Make sure to pump your arms and keep good form on the way up.

Stair Training Exercise Five: Skater Steps

Stand facing the stairs, then step your left foot on the far-left end of the second step.

Next, push off with your left foot and hop onto your right foot, placing it to the right side of next step.

Continue ascending the stairs, alternating sides, until you reach the top of the stairs, then walk down for recovery.

Stair Training Exercise Six: Triceps Stair Dips

Begin by sitting on the edge of the second or third step, with feet on the floor and hands under your shoulders.

Raise your hips up until your arms are straight and extend your legs, resting your heels on the floor.

Make sure to keep your hands shoulder-width apart and shoulders down and away from ears the entire time.

That is your starting position.

Next, while engaging your core and keeping your butt lifted, start performing dips by lowering your body up and down.

Make sure the movement is coming from your arms, not from pushing your butt up and down.

Perform at least 12 to 15 reps to complete one set.

Stair Training Exercise Seven: Hop Ups

Begin at the base of the stairs with your feet slightly more than shoulder width apart and core engaged.

Next, hop up and down from the first or second step for 20 to 30 times without stopping, to complete one set.

Make sure to keep your hops powerful and fast.

Stair Training Exercise Eight: Mountain Climbers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBZHkGT0W5Y

Face the stairs, place your hands on the second or third step with your arms firm, legs extended behind you, and core engaged.

Next, lift your right foot off the floor then bring your right knee as close to your chest as possible.

Return to the starting position and switch sides.

Continue alternating legs, bringing your knee to your chest as fast as you can without losing form.

Do 16 reps on each side without pausing to complete one set.

Stair Training Exercise Nine: Single Leg Hops

Begin at the bottom of the stairs, then stand on your right leg with your left bent.

If you have balance problems, then make sure to lightly hold the railing or a wall for more balance and support.

Next, with core engaged and soft knees, jump up one step, then the next, until you complete the whole flight.

Then walk down for recovery, and switch sides.

I’d also recommend this speed ladder drills routine.

New to Running? Start Here…

If you’re serious about running, getting fit, and staying injury free, then make sure to download my Runners Blueprint Guide!

Click HERE to check out my Runners Blueprint System today!

Don’t miss out! My awesome running plan is just one click away.

Featured Image Credit – Lorna Jane via Flickr

Your Tabata Sprints Guide -The Tabata Workout Plan You Need

July 9, 2024January 14, 2016 by David Dack

If you do any form of exercise, you’ve probably heard about Tabata sprints training one too many times.

But have you ever wondered where the heck Tabata came from ? and how it became such a big buzzword in the fitness world?

Well, if your answer is yes, then today you’re in luck as I’ve spent long hours researching the subject so you don’t have to, and the answers are quite amazing. You’ll definitely learn how to do tabata sprints without much second guessing.

I’ll also share with you a simple Tabata workout routine to get you started on the right foot without needing any special equipment and paying any gym fees.

Let’s delve in.

What Is Tabata Workout Training?

The Tabata training method involves exercising at full effort for 20 seconds, recovering for 10 seconds, then repeating the cycle for eight times for four minutes. The high-intensity burst is performed at or near maximal effort while the recovery period is usually at 50 percent of maximum capacity.

Genesis – Study Behind the Tabata Protocol

Quick history lesson: The Tabata method was developed by Izumi Tabata Ph.D., a former scientist, and researcher at Japan’s National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya,

Dr. Tabata took a group of young athletes from different background and skills, then split them into two groups: one performing moderate intensity training (the control group), the other high-intensity training.

His goal was simple: to see if the subjects would benefit from a 20/10 session repeated eight times. He wanted to assess how intense and intense, and how short, the interval session could be to result in measurable gains and growth.

And he got a sobering answer: Four Minutes.

The results were published in 1996 in the journal “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.” Under the title “Effects of Moderate-Intensity Endurance and High-Intensity Intermittent Training on Anaerobic Capacity and VO2max.”

Let’s delve a little deeper into the research.

The Initial Study

The initial study goes back to 1996 when Dr. Tabata and his team of researchers examined two groups of amateur athletes in their mid-twenties for six weeks.

The athletes studied where divided into two groups, following two different workout protocols.

Group, I followed protocol One where they exercised for an hour of stationary cycling at 70 percent of VO2 max, five days a week. This is similar to a long-running session at a steady moderate pace.

Group I exercised for five days a week for a total of six weeks. Each session lasted one hour. That’s roughly 1,800 minutes of moderate intensity training for the control group over the six weeks.

Group II followed protocol Two in which they exercised four times per week, opting for a workout that consists of eight 20-second bursts of highly intense biking—at 170 percent effort—and 10-second of rest, totaling 4 minutes a workout. Think tabata sprints.

Group II exercised for four days a week for six weeks. Each session lasted four minutes and 20 seconds—with ten seconds of recovery between each set. That’s about 120 minutes of high-intensity training over the six weeks.

The Conclusion

The first group improved their maximum aerobic capacity (cardiovascular) by 9.5 percent but showed little or no improvements in their anaerobic system (muscle).

Nonetheless, the Interval training group crushed it. Not only did they increase their aerobic capacity by 14 percent but they also improved their anaerobic power (how long you can exercise at maximum effort) by 28 percent. That’s huge.

To conclude, high-intensity interval training has a huge effect on both the aerobic and anaerobic systems. The group that worked out less, and thanks to high-intensity intervals, ended up fitter at the end of the six weeks.

MIND BLOWN!

Additional resource – Bolt top running speed

Benefits of Tabata Sprints Training

Here is a list of the benefits to expect if you do Tabata training on a regular basis:

Improved anaerobic capacity. Anaerobic power can be defined as the amount of extra work a runner can eke out beyond their aerobic capacity. According to research, an improved anaerobic capacity can help you run faster and longer by improving fatigue resistance and muscle’s ability to flush out lactic acid.

Burns mad calories. The typical Tabata workout routine can burn up to 12 to 15 calories per minute, according to a study. Therefore, the Tabata workout method is a 4-minute fat-burning miracle workout.

Endless combinations. What I like about Tabata workouts is the endless number of training combinations you can do. You can perform any exercise you like. You can do push-ups, squats, tabata sprints, burpees or any other exercise that hits large muscle groups.

Saves times. Tabata can help you squeeze a workout in and stay consistent with your fitness routine—especially when pressed for time. All you need is some space, a mat, and there you go.

Here’s a list of further research about the effects of tabata style training.

Study 1

Study 2

Study 3

Study 4

Be A Well Rounded Athlete

Hopefully, by now, you’re excited about incorporating Tabata sprints workouts into your routine, nonetheless, keep in mind that these shouldn’t be an alternative to your current running sessions.

Instead, to reach your best performance, make sure to follow a well-rounded running program that includes recovery runs, tempo runs, interval sessions, Fartlek intervals, and long runs.

Tabata Logistics – Time it Right!

To keep track of your training time and your cycles, you can simply use a stopwatch or a tabata app.

A timer is key for doing Tabata right and efficiently, especially if you’re running and are unable to look at a screen to check the time remaining for each round or bout.

If you’re pushing yourself to the max (which what you should be doing when Tabata training), then it’s going to be virtually impossible to keep it together while checking a watch, your smartphone, or a wall clock.

I prefer using apps because they take the guesswork out of the equation, helping me stay focused on the task at hand. One of my favorites is the Tabata pro (Get it for $3). Or google search Tabata and you will find plenty of free versions that deliver.

Just set it once, press start, and get to work.

The 30-Minute Tabata Workout For Beginners

The below routine involves doing five rounds of intense work Tabata style. Each round lasts for four minutes

Here’s the truth. If you go maximum effort during the high-intensity intervals, the four-minute cycle will feel like the hardest and most challenging four minutes of your life. It might be too much for some people.

Again, here’s how to proceed :

Work out at your maximum effort 20 seconds
Recover for 10 seconds
Complete eight rounds.

Push as hard as you for 20 seconds, either eking out as many reps as you can of an exercise or moving as fast as possible when doing sprints or any other form of cardio exercise.

Rest for 10 seconds, then repeat the process for a total of eight times.

Without further ado, here is my favorite Tabata workout protocol.

The Warm-up

Before you perform any Tabata sprints, warm up by jogging for 5 minutes and doing dynamic exercises to increase your core temperature and loosen up your muscles and joints.

Regardless of the exercise you pick, please always start with a 10-minute warm-up. You want your core more temperate to raise and heart rate up, so you can perform at your best without hurting yourself.

Once you’re done tabata training, start the cooldown. Your heart will be racing like crazy and muscle twitching. Go for a slow jog, walk, or do some stretches to bring them back to normal levels.

Round One: Tabata Sprints

Sprint for 20 seconds, rest for 10, then sprint for another 20 seconds, shooting for eight sprints at an all-out effort.

You can also perform the sprints on a steep hill, but make sure to pick a hill that’s not too technical since you will be running at your maximum speed for at least the first set of reps.

Round Two: Tabata High Knees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whHxoB-AFYQ

Stand feet hip-width apart. Keep your back flat, and core engaged the entire time.

Perform high knees by jumping from one foot to the other, lifting your knees as high as you can. Focus on lifting your knees up and down as fast as you can, landing on the balls of your feet as you run in place.

Do this for 20 seconds, rest for 10, then repast the cycle for eight times to complete the round.

Round Three: Tabata Jumping Lunges

Take a lunge position with your right foot forward, knees bent, and left knee nearly touching the floor.

Next, while extending through both legs, explode up and jump as high as you can, swinging your arms to gain momentum. Then switch the position of your legs mid-air, moving your left leg to the front and right leg to the back, and immediately lower yourself into a lunge on the opposite side.

Keep jumping back and forth for 20 seconds, then rest for 10, repeating the cycle for eight times.

If you can’t keep doing jump lunges with good form, then perform walking lunges instead. Be aware of your limits.

Round Four: Tabata Squats

Assume an athletic position with feet hip-width apart. For more challenge, hold a set of dumbbells or plates at shoulder-height.

Next, to perform the squat, bend your knees and sit back, lowering yourself down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep your back flat, head facing forward and toes tracking over the knees the entire time.

Last up, return to standing by pushing through your heels.

Continue squatting for the full 20-second interval, moving as fast as you can, then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat the cycle eight times.

Round Five: Burpees

Stand feet hip-width apart, back straight and core engaged.

Next, squat down and place your palms on the floor, then jump both of your feet into a full plank position, then quickly hop your feet back into a squat and, explosively leap into the air, reaching your arms straight overhead. Add a clap for some sound effect!

In case you’re looking for more challenge, then you can either add a standard push up from your plank or drop your chest to the floor before jumping back up.

Conclusion

Here is the routine in a nutshell

Round 1 (4 minutes) Sprints

Sprint at your highest speed for 20 seconds.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Complete eight rounds for a total of 4 minutes.

Round 2 (4 minutes) High Knees

High knees for 20 seconds, as many reps as possible with good form.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Complete eight rounds for a total of 4 minutes.

Round 3 (4 minutes) Jumping Lunges

Jumping lunges for 20 seconds, as many reps as possible with good form.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Complete eight rounds for a total of 4 minutes.

Round 4 (4 minutes) Squats

Squats for 20 seconds, doing as many reps as possible with good form.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Complete eight rounds for a total of 4 minutes.

Round 5 (4 minutes) Burpees

Do as many burpees as you can for 20 seconds.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Complete eight rounds for a total of 4 minutes.

Tabata Sprints Workout – The Conclusion

There you have it.

Whatever exercises you pick, your choices should target large of muscles to get the most out of Tabata sprints training.

It’s perfectly okay to feel some soreness or muscle pain during and following your first few Tabata sessions. That’s actually how you know that you’re doing it right.

As you get fit, you’ll body will adjust, and you’ll only experience a mild to moderate soreness after the beginning.