Hot Yoga Albany: Want To Become A Runner? Here’s Where to Start

the hot yoga spot blog featured image %282%29.jpg

Want to Become a Runner? Here’s Where to Start

When it comes to finding an exercise that is simple to do and only requires a quality pair of shoes, running is the perfect solution. Not only is it a great way to get fit, but it also gets a great, feel-good boost of endorphins flowing and allows you to form new relationships with other runners. Oftentimes, the most difficult part of running is figuring out where to begin — which is what we will be covering in today’s post.

Read on to learn more about how to start (and stick with) a running regime, and to complement that regime, contact us or stop by The Hot Yoga Spot in Albany today to take a hot yoga class!

Set a SMART Goal

If you haven’t heard of SMART goals before, it is a great way to set goals for yourself that you are much more likely to follow through with. This is because your goals are:

SPECIFIC This means that your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you will likely find difficulty with focusing your efforts and feeling truly motivated to achieve it.
MEASURABLE: It is important that you have goals that are measurable so that you are able to track your progress and remain motivated.
ATTAINABLE: While your goal should definitely stretch your abilities, it should still remain realistic to achieve.
RELEVANT This step is all about ensuring that the goal you have in mind matters to you and also aligns with other relevant goals.
TIME-BOUND: Every goal needs to have a target date so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work towards (and get excited about as the date approaches).

We suggest sitting down and getting clear about this goal. As for running, find a race that you are interested in running and sign up for it. Just make sure that you have enough time between now and then for a running routine, but this will give you a specific goal that you are able to measure, is attainable for you, is something you want to accomplish (or you probably would have exited this blog by now), and is time-bound. Get to searching for races in your area and have fun with it!

Choose a Training Plan

You can find a ton of different training plans online for working up to a 5K, half marathon, full marathon, etc. for people of all different skill levels. Do some research and find a plan based on your current goal along with your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and stick to it. Print it out, hang it on your fridge, and cross out each day as you complete them!

Choose Your Gear

Shoes

While running doesn’t require much, it is crucial to have a comfortable pair of running shoes that fit well and support your feet. We suggest going into a store and trying on several shoes to find the perfect fit for you. Even pull a dad-move and jog around the store in each pair (they know what they are doing!). This way, you can find what feels good for your unique feet and how much support they provide.

Socks

Socks are another important aspect to consider, as blisters can form without the right pair that leave your feet in a lot of pain and on the sidelines for a few days. Find a pair of breathable, snug socks that are not suffocating. Many running socks are created with sweat-wicking materials that draw moisture away from your feet, so keep an eye out for those.

Clothing

While this one isn’t necessarily as important as your shoes, it is still important to find running clothing that is breathable, will keep you cool on hot days and warm on cold days, and will prevent chafing of your skin.

Looking for a yoga practice that will help compliment your running routine and allow you to breathe easier during your runs? Try out hot yoga from The Hot Yoga Spot in Albany today!

View Our Schedule

Create a Motivating Playlist

This is a great way to get yourself in the zone and excited for your runs! Whichever music style personally gets you pumped up, whether that’s rock, hip-hop, electronic music, or something different, throw some songs together on a playlist and listen to it when you are getting ready for your run. Not only will this put you in a happy, excited headspace, it can even help to push and motivate you to go harder during your run.

Make Your Runs Easier With Hot Yoga Classes

There are many benefits of taking hot yoga classes for runners, which you can read more about in our previous blog post. Not only is hot yoga a great way to regulate your breath and strengthen your body, but it also leads to a state of zen and mindfulness which can be extremely beneficial when you experience a more challenging run.

Benefits Of Hot Yoga For Runners

Fuel Your Body

This means drinking lots of water and eating the right foods in order to have the best runs possible. Plan to keep a water bottle nearby during each run, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Also, be sure to eat about an hour before you go on your run in order to provide your body with an energy boost while still allowing your stomach plenty of time to digest. You will also want to eat within 15 minutes after your run in order to help the body resynthesize muscle glycogen and recover more quickly.

Well, there you have it! Those are our basic tips for becoming a runner and setting a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goal for yourself in order to make it happen. We know you can do it, and would love to help compliment your routine with our hot yoga classes here at The Hot Yoga Spot! Give us a call today to sign up.

Tags: hot yoga albany bikram yogaaer yin yoga power yoga vinyasa flow vinyasa flow yoga yoga fitness bikram hot yoga ignite yoga styles yoga hot yoga aerial yoga baptiste yoga