Running Indoors
When ongoing lockdowns have you climbing the walls – maybe it’s time to try running indoors instead!
Even if you’re not caught up in a coronavirus lockdown, there are many benefits to exercising indoors.
You are not affected by the weather, it can be done at any time of the day or night, and there’s nobody to judge you for your muffin top or daggy exercise gear.
But how can you run inside if you don’t have a treadmill?!
Indoor Running Environment
Look around your home for a suitable area for running. Contrary to what you may have believed, not much space is required! It could be a corner of the garage or living room where you run on the spot; or you could plot a short course around your home.
Bear in mind that running on carpet or padding reduces the impact and stress on your body; and while you may not usually wear footwear, it’s a good idea to wear appropriate shoes that support the ankles, heels and arches.
Indoor Running Tips
- Swing the arms at the same time as lifting the knee (opposite arm to knee), keeping back straight and head up.
- Raise your knees as high as you can with each stride. Add in short bursts of higher intensity by increasing speed or lifting your knees higher.
- Use stairs (if available) for sprints to amp up your workout.
- Consider adding in squats, star jumps, skipping or other cardio exercises, to target different muscle groups and mix up your routine.
- An online personal trainer can be a great ally in your quest for fitness. In addition to providing guidance on proper technique to minimise injuries, and tailoring exercises to suit your personal health and fitness goals, a good PT will also make sure that your sessions include plenty of variety and FUN!
And just because you’re indoors, doesn’t prevent you from enjoying all the benefits of a good run, such as:
- Elevated heart rate while burning those calories.
- Increased lung capacity and improved circulation.
- Strong core and better posture from engaging the abdominal muscles.
- Better balance, stability and flexibility from movement and contraction of muscles.
- Reduced pain in knees and reduced risk of falls and injuries.
- Feel good effects of endorphins.
Given the challenges we are all facing with Covid, we’ve never needed those feel good hormones more. Indoor running might just be the sanity saver you’ve been looking for!
