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 www.socalworkout.com contains valuable tips on fitness and "how to" style exercise videos.

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