Running is one of the few ways to workout that you can do anywhere, doesn’t require a lot of equipment, or force you to pay a membership fee. Reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, weight loss, and increasing your HDL (good) cholesterol are some of the many benefits of running. If you want to incorporate running into your routine but you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here are five items to add to your running starter kit!
Running Sneakers
You may be thinking “Aren’t all sneakers good running?” Just like how there are different types shoes or boots for different actives, the same goes for sneakers. Running sneakers are different from casual sneakers because they are designed to protect your feet from the surfaces you are running on, provide traction and support your feet during the shock of landing on the ground. A quality pair of running shoes can be priced anywhere from $75 to $200. Some companies that make great running sneakers are Nike, ASICS, and Mizuno. The perfect running sneaker is different for every person; you may have to try a few different ones before you find what works best for you.
Best Workout Clothes For Women
T-shirts
Wearing proper clothing is essential to being comfortable when running. For winter you will need to layer your clothing. But in spring, fall, and summer you’ll be fine with a t-shirt paired with shorts or sweats. A basic cotton t-shirt is suitable for running however, some people find these types of shirts can irritate their skin. Under Armour, Lululemon, and CW-X all make t-shirts out of a special materials that are designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool.
Running apps
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Run Keeper, Nike+ Running, and Endomondo are three great running apps that are free. These applications can keep track of your times, give you statistics to track your progress, and share your running results with your friends via social media. There are hundreds of running apps both free and paid. For more advanced features like marathon training, meal planning, and voice feedback during workouts you will need to get a paid app like Runtastic Pro or RunDouble C25K.
Cellphone/MP3 player armband case
Music can be a great motivator while working out and this is especially true for running. Your favorite song can give you the motivation to beat a previous time or run that extra three minutes. In addition to listening to music, you may want your loved ones to be able to reach you by phone. A solution to carrying your electronic device without the risk of dropping it is an armband case. An armband case is a case that is specifically made for your type of device and securely holds it on your arm. The average price for this type of case ranges from $5 to $25. They can be purchased online or at various tech and sporting goods stores.
Headphones
If you do like to music or maybe even a book when your running, a solid pair of headphones are a must have. Runner usually use in-ear headphones instead of traditional headphones because they are lighter. The most popular type of in-ear headphones for runners are those that wrap around the ear. From $9 to $150, the prices for in-ear headphone vary widely. Check customer reviews online so you can learn which ones are best for your price range.
