As a side note, on which almost all joggers agree. I found that there was a minimum length of time required for me to feel the real benefit of jogging. When I could jog for only five or ten minutes, it was hard and tiring. When I could jog for half an hour, it was considerable less difficult and felt wonderful afterwards. I reckon that the minimum time which makes jogging, or any other exercise routine for that matter, really feel beneficial is about twenty minutes.

This does not mean that five minutes of exercise is a waste. Not at all. But to “feel” the fine effects of exercise, twenty minutes is a rough minimum.

When it comes to the choice of how far to run, I return to another opening theme. Beneficial exercise is beneficial, and the more the better. We were designed to move; our well-being thrives on it. Bernie’s conclusion is like that for all exercises that promote proper movement. Unless there is some other health issue to consider, more is better. When I could jog five miles, I was the beneficiary.

As for the running shoe, of course good shoes are helpful. I enjoy using a good pair. But Bernie asks some other questions. Will a $500 shoe help if one’s walk is imbalanced and thus running is painful? If one’s walk is not full and relaxed? If the ankles or knees suffer from a lifetime of improper movement? If one jogs with most of the weight on one side?

When it comes to jogging fast or slowly, the matter is less clear cut. There is a sense of accomplishment in speed. But in some sense, speed should be subservient to distance. I find it far better to take a long time and jog five miles than to do one fast mile and call it quits. The reason is simple–when someone jogs five miles, think of all those steps, all that back exercise, all the strength in the ankles and servers in days to come. One’s entire movement patterns benefit.

Selection of Exercises:

Disclaimer:

I am not a qualified physician. As with all exercise programs, when using these routines and examples shown, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you may want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing these exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Theoryofexercise.com will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of this information shared on this website.