by Sofia Moreau

As the world came to a standstill in the face of an unprecedented global crisis, a surprising fitness revival broke out in the UK. Official app statistics witnessed an impressive 13 per cent surge in active runners amidst the months of upheaval, painting the stark contrast of Mother Nature’s lockdown and mankind’s determination to keep moving.

Psychological experts believe it takes a rough 91 days for any physical activity to transform into a habit. Verified independent research shared by a popular athletic footwear and fitness brand throws light on the present scenario and reveals that a whopping 90 per cent of these diligent runners have shown intentions to persist or increase their running ventures post-lockdown.

The running trove uncovered some interesting motivations that fuelled this fitness frenzy. An essential 67 per cent of the respondents confessed that the prime reason for indulging in running was to enhance their mental well-being during these chaotic times. In addition to this, 51 per cent witnessed this activity as an effective stress-buster, with both aspects garnering more female support as compared to their male counterparts.

Users reported the plethora of personal gifts they received from this activity. Over half of them (56 per cent) declared this active journey as their escape route, providing them with much-needed headspace; 34 per cent observed improved sleep patterns, while 31 per cent claimed to have become a happier individual through consistent running.

However, a startling 68 per cent of these zealous runners confessed to having failed to receive appropriate guidance, consequently placing them at potential injury risk or stripping them of their budding passion. Vital areas reported as void of information included motivational tips, guidance on avoiding soreness or injuries, and pointers on selecting suitable running footwear.

To supplement this gap, the athletic footwear and fitness brand curated a list of simple yet impactful tips to facilitate these determined runners and guarantee their successful transformation into long-term runners:

• Anticipate and strategize – Plan your outfit for the run a night before.
• Seal in Hydration – Ingest up to 6 mL of water per kilogram of your body weight periodically.
• Understand your Foot Type – Double-check your running shoes provided your thumb fits in the gap between your big toe and the front of the shoe.
• Rotate your Gear – Alternate between your running shoes to avoid wear and tear.
• Be SMART and Applaud Progress – Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely goals. Celebrate small victories.
• Invite the unexpected – Vary your running routine to keep it thrilling.

An ardent enthusiast testifies her journey and admits, ‘The lockdown pushed me back into the world of running and rekindled my love for this fitness avenue. Now that my life is coming back up to speed, I realize how little informed I am about this activity and its technicalities. It is why such comprehensive advice has been instrumental in helping me continue and thrive on this journey.’

Linda van Aken, a senior corporate leader, highlights, ‘Running is one of the most accessible sports with unparalleled mental and physical benefits. Newbies to this sport and all runners indeed need sound guidance to steer clear of injuries and maintain motivation. We are steadfast in our commitment to offer practical and comprehensible advice to help these ardent runners.’

running, fitness, mental health, de-stress, sleep improvement, happiness, injury prevention, motivation, proper footwear, exercise routine, lockdown, habit