Jogging is a great classic cardio exercise, popular not just
for its health benefits but also because you do it almost
anywhere. But for most people, jogging can lose its charm after
a while. So how do you make this exercise more interesting?

By taking it off road. Most places in the U.S. have hiking
trails nearby, and the dirt paths, rocky roads, and beautiful
scenery and just what the doctor ordered to make your jog more
stimulating. But jogging off the beaten path comes with its own
set of concerns and issues. Here’s what you need to know to jog
safely and effectively.

The first time you take your run down a dirt road, don’t go as
fast as you would on a flat, paved road. The uneven surfaces and
rocks make a tumble not just more likely, but more dangerous as
well.

Make note of landmarks and areas that seem particularly
dangerous or difficult. Over time, as you familiarize yourself
with the trail, you can build up speed, eventually going full
tilt.
As in regular running, make sure to keep good posture.

The unfamiliar territory or low hanging tree branches may make
you feel like hunching over, but if you do you deprive your
lungs of a bit of oxygen. This will make the run more difficult
and the exercise less efficient than it could be.

Another major advantage of off road jogging is that you can do
certain cardio activities that impossible on flat roads. Jogging
uphill will work your legs and build your stamina. Try and find
trails that offer uphill challenges for a well-rounded workout.

Of course, what goes up must come down, so you should make
certain to keep your balance on those downhill slopes. You don’t
necessarily have to slow down while jogging downhill, but you
should use you arms to maintain your center of gravity to keep
from tumbling over.

You may have to invest in a new pair of running shoes if you
want to do your running on rougher terrain. Usually when you buy
shoes, you are only looking for one thing: comfort. But the
shoes you take off road have to be more durable than your
average set of sneakers, plus hopefully easier to clean. It also
helps if they are extra snug on your foot to prevent pebbles or
burs from hurting you.

Once you know a particular trail like the back of your hand,
you might try making it even more interesting by running at
night. Get a nice windbreaker and a headlamp and see how
different your night running time is from you daytime. Be
careful though, since you can’t see as far ahead of you as you
can during the daylight hours, you are more likely to stumble
over an unseen dirt mound or sapling.

Remember, exercise can and should be fun. If you are getting
bored with your routine, ask your personal trainer on ways to
make it more interesting to you.

About The Author: Chris McCombs is a Costa Mesa personal
trainer with specialty in fat loss and muscle toning. His
website socalworkout.com contains valuable tips on
fitness and “how to” style exercise videos.

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