We live in an age where exercise is prevalent, and people better understand the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Running is one of the most easily accessible forms of exercise, where providing you’re physically able you can run anywhere and anytime. 
Whether you enjoy long distance running or a casual jog, running is a fantastic way to maintain good health. Though it’s an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise that improves your life considerably, it can also be hard on the knees. Close to 70% of runners experience knee injuries at some stage in their life, and it makes sense for people to struggle with their feet too since they regularly hit the ground.
Though it’s good to take preventative action to avoid injury, if you are experiencing problems with your feet you might want to visit a podiatrist like this one in Ohio. They can help you get back on track, quite literally. To encourage you, take a look at these top tips to prevent injury:
Wear the Right Shoes
Runners need a shoe that fits their feet correctly and provides ample protection. Cushioning is great to reduce impact, and by working with a professional you can discover the perfect footwear for you. Some people have wide widths, whereas others have narrow feet. Even the most expensive trainers don’t always provide adequate support, so if your trainer doesn’t fit exactly you should insert insoles. This will offer additional support if the insole has some rigidity to it.
Stretch
Light stretches are a great way to get loose and ready for exercise. This will help you get supple and encourage the blood to get pumping. This is especially important in cold weather, and elite runners will tell you stretching is a great way to prevent injuries.
Cross Train
Runners usually focus on multiple forms of exercise, and variation prevents your body continually facing impact in the same areas. Creating balance is a great way to exercise different muscles, and by adding core strength exercises to your routine you can strengthen your legs and become a better runner. Additionally, you’ll be less susceptible to injury.
Don’t Overdo It
Runners tend to run for long distances when great weather hits and take on too much too soon. This can put too much strain on the body, so it’s important to gradually build up to high intensity. By doing so your body can adjust accordingly, and won’t be shocked into intense exercise. Start slowly and work your way up, and remember not to overtrain without breaks in between efforts.
Eat Properly
Maintaining a nutritional balance is necessary for maintaining healthy joints, and by eating green vegetables and dairy you’ll be well prepared. According to Livestrong, certain cheeses and dairy have greater nutritional value than others, and will better contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. Goat cheese is one of the highest in calcium (while being low in Sodium), but be sure to purchase from farms and distributors that have organic, high-quality Goat cheese for sale. The right balance of nutrients will help your muscles recover, and it’s important to eat carbohydrates to give you the energy you need to run. Running on empty is a surefire way to get injured, so remember not to neglect the importance of good diet.