How to prepare to train for a 5k

How To Prepare To Train For A 5K

This page is all about how to prepare to train for a 5k run. So what I’ll cover is the bits you need to think about before you actually start your training.

If you’ve made a decision that you’d like to run a 5k, there a few things you need to consider first…

Is running going to be right for you?

We ‘re only talking about a 3 mile run here, so training for it isn’t going to take over your life, but you are going to have to commit some time to it.

As a beginner you’re going to need to do a mixture of exercise which all help to improve your stamina and fitness levels. So if you’re inactive at the moment, you’ll probably need to do a bit more, but let me stress this again…IT WON’T NEED TO TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE.

Before you get started and actually begin running, you need to have a think about different times you could allocate to your training. Could you get up a little earlier a couple of mornings a week?, would it be possible to run during your lunch break or could you combine it with other tasks such as dropping kids at after school clubs or sports classes etc?

You’ll need to be able to spare 20 – 30 minutes at least 3 times a week to begin with.

If after having a think about what I’ve just mentioned, you can’t realistically spare the time, then it’s unlikely that you’re ever going to be able to commit enough to the challenge of running a 5k and you could do with finding another avenue to follow.

If this does sound feasible, you need to next think about how and where you’re going to run. If you live in a rural area with loads of open space to run, will you be able to do it after dark?

If the thought of running outdoors and maybe seeing friends and family causes you a great deal of embarrassment then is it possible for you to buy or borrow a treadmill, use one owned by a friend or join a gym?

It may be that you need to drive to an area that’s suitable for beginners to run on, for example a long flat road with a good running surface.

Another good option is to join a running club. If you do a Google search for their details, you can ring to find out if they have a beginners group and if so how far they typically run. By speaking to someone first, you’ll also be able to get a feel for the club.

No matter which route to running a 5k you choose to pursue, you are going to need 2 things.

Firstly, a pair of good quality running shoes that fit properly, you can find out how to choose the best running shoes here – How to choose the best running shoes for 5k training.

Secondly a training schedule and running manual. Whilst you may think that running is simply a case of putting one foot in front of the other, a little faster than walking, and the more you do the better you’ll get, this is a very simplistic view point.

There is much, much more to your training than this. Ideally…

  • you’ll want to avoid injuries
  • you’d prefer to enjoy the whole experience
  • you want to know that the things you’re doing are right
  • you’ll want to improve your fitness fast
  • you want to be able to run a 5k in just a few weeks instead of months

Unfortunately without the knowledge you need to build up your fitness levels, the chances are you might never make it your first 5k race.

Boredom, injuries, frustration and lack of progress are all factors that usually stop a beginner from getting any better.

If you’d like to find out more about a running system that I guarantee will get you to your first 5k race within the next 6 – 8 weeks depending on your current level of fitness then click here – couch to 5k.

The style of mini trampoline

The Style Of Mini Trampoline. Find Out More Of This Workout Tool

The mini trampoline is mainly designed to be used for exercising. These trampolines are a very good way for children to exercise whilst being indoors. The mini trampoline is often referred to as a fitness trampoline as this is mainly because it is used as a machine for working out to help people to lose weight.

The mini trampolines are fantastic for using to do aerobics. These trampolines are a great way for children and adults to exercise even when they have a limited amount of space.

These trampolines are very versatile and they can be used both outdoors and indoors. The exercises that can be done on these trampolines help to strengthen the muscles within the legs whilst being low impact exercises that therefore do not jar the bones or joints. This type of trampoline is commonly used for jogging.

These trampolines come in a wide range of sizes that range from three feet to sixteen feet this measurement is the diameter. These trampolines also come in a wide range of shapes including hexagonal, octagonal, rectangular, square and round to name a few. The most common shape for these trampolines is round. The most common size is a diameter of four feet and a height of between six and ten inches. This style of trampoline costs between two hundred American dollars and five hundred American dollars.

When choosing a trampoline of any type it is very important to take time to do some research so that you are find the correct durable product to fit your requirements. When choosing a trampoline it is also very important to consider the safety of the products. It is advisable to purchase a product that has a guarantee. When you look at the trampolines it is important to pay close attention to the springs, pads and frame.

Great fat burning workout ©

Great Fat Burning Workout ©

You’ve heard it a million times from people trying to burn fat, “I just don’t have time to get to the gym.”  Well that really shouldn’t be a problem once you understand how you can get a proper fat burning workout done with basic or minimal equipment.

In order to get a great high intensity fat burning workout, like students of my Fat Burning Furnace system get….one that stimulates the growth of lean muscle tissue, accelerates your metabolism and fat burning, and provides cardiovascular conditioning…you need to perform a variety of exercises that work all of your major muscle groups in the same workout.

Keep this in your home and it takes very little space and is always accessible for those fat burning workouts you’d have to skip otherwise.  After all, the proper workout I’m talking about averages about 15-20 minutes…but if you factor in the transit time to and from the gym, it can become more difficult to stick to your routine.

I highly recommend getting a basic setup at home for those times, or you can even use this exclusively.  I personally always workout at home and it has its advantages.  You don’t have to wait for the next station or machine on your routine at home.  This is very important in relation to pulling the maximum cardiovascular benefits out of the same muscle building and fat burning workout…keeping your time between exercises down to 60 seconds or less.

Home workouts are also great for those that might be a bit intimidated by working out with weights in public at the gym.  If you feel this way, don’t fret, you’re not alone.  This is especially true for some of the ladies, as weight training is traditionally thought of as the guy’s territory in the fitness center.  Nothing could be further from the truth, but if you’d rather perform you fat burning workout at home, then do it! Now, when working out properly, like I teach my Fat Burning Furnace students, you’re only exercising for 2-3 days per week, but if you’re workout day falls on a day when you’re out of town, what to do?

Yeah, you could try and find a local gym to go to, but that can be a hassle.  There are actually several fat burning bodyweight exercises you can do without the use of any equipment.

Movements like the pushup, chin-ups, sit-ups, etc. can provide enough muscle stimulation to keep you conditioned until you get back home.  You’re using your bodyweight as the resistance, rather than dumbbells, barbells, or machines.

So don’t let those standard excuses work their way into your vocabulary…you can get a great fat burning workout wherever you are, anytime!

How do i pick the right fitness equipment

How Do I Pick The Right Fitness Equipment?

When an exercise regime consists of more than just jogging, people will at some point want to invest in proper equipment. The kind of equipment they buy depends on several factors like how much they can afford to spend, the quality of the equipment and what purpose will it serve as part of their exercise program.

Fitness equipment can range anywhere between 50 to 5000 dollars. Purchasing gym equipment depends mostly on commitment to exercise, budget and what ones typical workout routine is. Some people may be satisfied by just purchasing an exercise ball while others might require a fully equipped home gym.

For those who are looking primarily to tone their body and build muscle, a set of free weights and a good quality bar is ideal. One can easily do chin and pull-ups, some floor exercises and basic weight training to get a satisfying and varied workout.

It is important to think long term when purchasing fitness equipment. Try to buy equipment that is reliable and which will last you more than a few years. For example if you are looking for an exercise to do some spinning and get a great cardio workout in the process, try buying a bike that is solid and which will last longer.

An important thing to keep in mind is how much space you have at home right now as well as expect to in the future to store this fitness equipment. A simple machine such as a cycle occupies only 10 square feet. However, a treadmill or a multi-station weight machine may occupy anywhere between 30 to a 100 square feet.

If you are just starting out, then it is always recommended to try out different kinds of equipment made by various manufacturers so that you can find one that suits your routine and likes. Every individual has their own unique taste even in the kind of gym equipment they purchase.

It is important to get equipment that can be adjusted to suit your size and body type. Try to get equipment that can adjusted in terms of length, weight etc. so that it can be used by more than one person at home. Adjustable equipment will also be advantageous over time if you want to increase the strength and endurance of your workout.

Knowing how to use fitness equipment safely is a must, especially in order to avoid injury. Most multi-station fitness equipment come with the appropriate safety features. Do not be swayed by what sales people commonly suggest and choose equipment that will suit you needs instead.

It is quite normal to experience mild discomfort when one is beginning or getting back to an exercise routine initially but if you continue to suffer extreme pain that means that you are either not doing something correctly or need to be guided in the proper technique of using the equipment.

One needs to feel comfortable with the equipment they use. For example tread mills should come with adjustable handle bars according to ones height. Similarly, weight machines should have comfortable handlebars and a chair so that one doesn’t strain their back or neck muscles while using them.

Do not hesitate to ask several questions or shop around till you find fitness equipment that you feel is suitable for your exercise needs.

Fitness: things to consider when buying home fitness equipments

Fitness: Things to Consider When Buying Home Fitness Equipments

There are a hundred lots of home fitness equipment nowadays that are sold in the market. Do not make the mistake in buying something and then regretting why you bought it after a day or two. Home fitness equipments vary and you should always have one good reason to buy it. Don’t believe on everything commercials tell you about the equipment. Some equipment may seem easy to use on television but n fact will not really work for you. Try to ask yourself first of these questions before you grab your wallet and buy that equipment.

Do you need it? The equipment should suit your interests and needs. The activities that you will do with that equipment should be challenging and something to enjoy on. Buying equipment is never a guarantee that you will use it especially if it is something new that makes it harder to use. Make sure that you already know the equipment and that it is something that you already tried in a fitness club. Start from buying small equipments that are aligned to your interests.

Can you afford it? Don’t be fooled with the thought that you will be forced to use something because you spent too much money for it. Expensive equipments are never an assurance that you will use them or that they are effective for you. Always consider how much are you willing to pay for certain equipment. Also ask yourself iif it is worth it. Always check on the quality before you buy equipment. The price may be too low but consider that the quality can also be low. Or it may be expensive but then the quality is not that good. You can try choosing on cheaper alternatives but not sacrificing the quality of the equipment.

You may also want to check out for some used equipments. Most of the time, this is where you find a better deal. You can even find equipments that do not seem to have been used at a very low rate. Or you can find the equipment 3 months old but the price is almost half the original.

Do you have enough space for it? This is often what buyers forget to consider. Try to consider first where to place a treadmill before buying it. Before you buy something, make sure you know where you will place it. Your place may not accommodate the equipment. Plan ahead and make sure that the equipment can be placed in your home without causing any hassle.

Is it safe for you? If you have existing conditions, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that the equipment will be safe for you. Some equipment may be painful to use and might cause harm to your body. So make sure to try it first be fore you buy it.

It also suggested that you first consider if a gym near you already has that equipment. You can save money by just registering to that gym and use that equipment compared the price you will spend if you will buy that product.

Buying fitness equipments should be bought with consideration. Do not buy by impulse. Always ask the opinion of a professional gym instructor before you buy something.