Personal health isn’t just a boring, frustrating, tedious chore we have to partake in. Choosing to be healthy and active has become fun and exciting, and a great lifestyle to help ensure we can spend more quality time with our friends, family and significant others. 

One of the easiest ways to achieve a healthy, active lifestyle is through running. Cardio gets a bad rep as one of those tedious ways to stay in shape, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Keeping our lungs, heart and muscles happy can and is an investment for our future that no dollar value can replace. Don’t forget the importance of nutrient specific diets. Keto is one such way that emphasizes the importance of your food consumption to maximum running potential.

If you’re an aspiring runner and you have questions about how to do this exercise method fun and enjoyable for yourself or if you want to help out a friend who’s thinking about running with you, these answers will help you:

Make a plan

More often than not, people who get into exercising forgot the basic rule that you should go into it with a plan. Just like writing down a workout routine for weights and machines at a gym, write down what kind of goals you have. Do you want to run around the block? Run on a treadmill? What about how long you’d like your runs to last? All of these are good questions to ask yourself before lacing up your shoes and hitting the ground running.

Get the right gear

Running is far from a costly exercise method. All you really need is a reliable pair of shoes. However, it’s important to consider how specific clothing or gear can improve the experience so it’s more enjoyable. Proper running shoes for your needs will decrease the stress on your knees, back, and joints. Consider if you need insoles too, and that the shoes are comfortable for extended use. Sweat wicking clothing will keep you feeling light and unbothered during your most intense running sessions as well. Don’t forget to pick the right headphones either! Wireless headphones, wired earbuds, or bluetooth earbuds are good picks.

Switch up your diet

Eating a different diet can greatly improve your cardio and running capabilities. Consider how lifestyle choices such as a keto diet can make you shake that sluggish feeling so you’re not giving less than your best. If you can get fresh keto meals delivered right to your door, you can make more time for your running schedule and feel great knowing you’re fueling your body properly. We often make the connection that eating well is a time consuming process, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about diet options and get your mind focused on running.

Find a partner

One of the complaints about running is that it can be boring. Recruiting a friend or partner to run with you is a good way to make it fun. Having someone who has the same goals as you or similar goals is a good way to stay accountable in your plan for success with your ambitions as a runner. Aside from asking friends or family to run with you, you can always join a running club. Running clubs will help you find others who are new to running as a hobby as well as experienced runners who can give you personalized advice for free. Running groups can be one of the best places to get the help you may need.

Pick the best music

Running without music is like paddling without an oar. It’s not impossible, but it’s not going to be fun. Finding the right music playlist for your runs will improve your concentration and give you the energetic motivation you’ll need to push through even the hardest of personal bests. Streaming music, downloading music, finding premade playlists or making your own customized one to match your run will prove to be a great asset. Think about what pace you want to run at and whether you need high tempo music with crazy beats or for a more casual pace, pop music with catchy rhythm. You can even listen to podcasts or audiobooks so you can learn or catch up with anything you can’t fit into your daily schedule. There are plenty of options for any kind of runner you want to be.

Whether you’re just getting into running as your exercise hobby or you’re helping someone you know get involved, these tips are bound to help make the right decisions. Becoming a better runner will not only help your health, but it’ll give you a clearer mind and proves to be beneficial in so many useful ways.