Platinum Author
The most important thing you need to do before you start your jogging program is to get yourself a pair of good shoes. The shoes are so important that they can either make or they can break your fitness program. The main reason the shoes are so important is that they help cushion your feet. They help position your foot in such a way as to prevent injury.
Years ago when I played a lot of tennis, I found a pair of brand name shoes made specifically for tennis. Yes, the shoes were expensive, but once I started playing with them I was sold. They were worth their weight in gold to me. Keep in mind your shoes are the most important tool you have. Do not scrimp or cut corners here. Remember this is an investment in your health and fitness. While shoes will be replaced over time they are critical to your success.
Now the real challenge is how to find the pair that is made for you? There are hundreds, if not thousands of shoes on the market. Just putting them on in the store and walking for a few minutes won't really tell you how they will work after being in them for 1 to 5 miles. If you decide to buy them online you will have even less opportunity to get the feel of them.
Here are a few facts about running shoes to help you out. Keep in mind that they do not have to be exorbitantly expensive. You should be able to find a good model for somewhere around $50 - $75. Please don't focus exclusively on the cost, but remember you do not need a platinum credit card to buy the pair that will work for you.
There are several categories running shoes are divided into which are: trail running, cross country, triathlon, cross training and street running. Obviously if you will be running mostly in the woods, the trail running shoe should be the one for you to start with. Street running or cross training shoes are the most common, and if you will be running on concrete or black top you may want to consider this type.
Running shoes are designed for three foot types. The beginning design is based on the arch of the foot, which will be a low, normal or high arch. When you go to the store find a sales clerk who can help you sort through the different types and help you find what will work best for you.
You will also be faced with the plethora of manufacturers. They range from Adidas, Brooks, Nike, Puma and many others. I would suggest picking a brand name and looking at an entry level shoe to start out with.
When you buy your shoes you will not have much of an opportunity to get the feel of them. Definitely take a few walks around the store and see how they feel. If you decide they are the ones then take them home and try them in the house for a couple of days before you hit the street. That way you at least have a fighting chance that they will work well for you. There is nothing worse than being stuck with a bad pair of shoes and then wearing them because you bought them, only to injure yourself along the way.
You might also want to consider doing a little online research and see what others are saying about the particular brands. There is a lot of science involved in shoe design and the manufacturers are always coming up with some type of improvement. Make a list of what features you want to try, and find the shoe that has those features.
Here you have some of what you will need to know to go out and get started on your first run.
About this Author
Next, if you would like to find out more about how jogging can help you get in better shape then please visit Beginner Jogging Tips now. To learn more about making healthier lifestyle choices please visit Health Secrets Explained now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josef_Mack
