By: Natasha Archary
If you’re planning on signing up for the #AbsaRunYourCity 10K challenge taking place on 24 September, you might want to get some cardio in.
Luckily, Kaya Drive listeners share some tips to improve your “Run with Sizwe”, so you can hit the road with confidence and minimize injuries.
As he gets into the swing of the early morning runs, Siz shares some of his secrets to getting his workouts in and staying motivated.
For the early riser who prefers running before the sun’s up so he doesn’t struggle with the heat, Sizwe likes to get his runs in first thing in the morning before he eats.
“I don’t like to feel heavy while I run, so I’d rather go for my run and then afterwards I can have breakfast. Eating post-run also decreases any complications during the run like vomiting or cramping.”
Sizwe shares his cardio tips
While there are pros and cons to early morning runs, fitness experts don’t advise running on an empty stomach especially after 6 to 8 hours of sleep with the last meal being dinner the night before a run.
This is due to blood glucose levels which could get too low during a run, so do what works for your body.
But if fat loss is the objective then you should get your cardio in before meals to help your body get into fat burning mode by increasing your metabolism.
Cardio tips to improve your “Run with Sizwe”
Apart from running, Sizwe also loves swimming and regularly enjoys taking laps in his pool. Swimming is also a good way to destress, cool down and get in some cardio without it feeling like a strenuous workout.
For those people who suffer with joint problems like arthritis or knee injuries, swimming offers more respite on tender joints than running does.
Road or treadmill running puts a lot of pressure on bones and joints because of the impact on the legs when your feet hit the ground.
Having the proper running shoes is also a must to avoid injuries to your feet.
Listen to some of the cardio tips from Kaya Drive listeners:
To make the most out of your cardio workouts make sure to:
- Switch things up – You don’t want your cardio workouts to get boring because you lose motivation and interest. Changing the type of cardio will also target different parts of your body.
- If running is not your thing, try rowing, spinning or cycling, boxing or an aerobics class to get your heart rate up.
- Start small, you don’t have to get in a full hours workout on the first day, start with 15 to 20 minutes and gradually increase your workout time weekly.
- Always stretch and warm up your muscles before you begin.
- Remember to cool down after your cardio session to gradually bring down your heart rate.
Also read: Tips for keeping safe while you #RunYourCity
