Back To The Basic Cardiovascular Exercise : Running/Jogging
This is classic cardio and probably the first thing people think of when they think of getting in shape. Running can be done on the road, on a track, on a treadmill, through the woods, etc. All you need is a pair of shoes. Running is a very natural activity, one that the body was built to do.
Running is also very effective at reducing hip size. It is a very high-impact activity though, and very overweight people would be better off with something less jarring such as fast walking, cycling or swimming. As with anything, start off slowly and gradually work up your speed and distance until you get where you want to be. Running can also be a very social activity if you have a running partner or join a running club.
But beware, here are some preformance tips that can help you...
Be careful when running down hills, as the impact is much greater. Overuse injuries due to excessive running are often caused by running downhill.
Ensure your foot is landing straight and is not splaying out to the side or inward.
If you get abdominal cramps while running you have a few options: stop and let it fade, stretch it out a little while running, massage the area, press on the area with your fingers or use your fist and punch the spot lightly. Cramps are caused by localized circulation difficulties. These strategies will help increase the circulation.
Get good shoes.
Allow your torso to rotate when striding. This will lengthen your stride and tighten up your waist as a bonus.
Keep your body erect and do not allow yourself to hunch over.
Don't bounce up too high when running. The goal is forward motion, not excessive up and down motion.
Don't run in areas where air pollution is bad. Running gets air into the really deep passages of your lungs. You don't want to saturate those areas with pollution.
By Nick Nilsson
http://www.bodybuilding.com/
