Stay Safe At Night With Reflective Running Gear

A busy schedule at work can often leave you wondering when to go for a run, and it is an easy option just to not bother at all, especially when the winter arrives and the days are short. But to keep a grip on your levels of fitness all year round, it is best to equip yourself with a few items that will enable you do exercise at night. Just like one of my previous articles about winter running gear, it pays dividends to buy some reflective running gear also. This post will give you some ideas, many of them very cheap to implement, which should make sure you are safe and seen while out running at night.

Which Clipless Pedals To Use – Look, SPD Or SPD-SL

For new cyclists wanting to get into racing, the question of which pedals to use almost always crops up. The simple answer is that it really depends on personal preference, but it helps to know what kind of kit is available. And as with most things, the jargon can really be like another language to the confused newcomer. Especially when you have to learn that clipless pedals are the ones you clip into, and what you thought were clipless are actually flat or platform pedals. Perhaps the best known brands in the pedals market are made by Look and Shimano, but there are several others also. Generally, road bikes use Look or Shimano SPD-SL, and mountain bikes use SPD pedals.

Core Workouts For Runners Without Exercise Balls

The best thing about running is that anybody can do it. All you need is a pair of running shoes and you can run knowing the efforts you are putting in will make you a stronger, fitter, leaner, healthier person. The best bit is that running is all about the legs, and they will get stronger as you exercise them on your jogs; no need for any other kind of muscular strength training, right? Wrong! Although you can concentrate on just running and think you will be fine, the truth is that your core muscles play a vital role in helping you maintain correct posture and optimal running form. Without core strengthening exercises, you can be inviting injuries, as other muscle groups compensate for your flabbly midriff.

Time To Run Compression Shirt

Compression clothing is one of the hot topics among runners these days, whether the discussion centres around compression shorts – and whether to wear other shorts over the top of them – or the pros and cons of compression socks. The latter are supposed to be great for supporting leg muscles during long runs, but I have a running friend for whom they caused all sorts of problems. And then there are compression tops. I opted for a lesser known brand, the long sleeved Time To Run compression shirt. These are widely available in the UK, including Amazon, and there are several reasons for wearing one, ranging from increasing your performance, to just pure comfort.

Winter Running Gear – Get Layered In The Cold

Amid the rumors that 2011 gave us the coldest summer in 20 years here in the UK, and with September now here, it is time to think about plans for the winter running season. It is always tempting to taper off through October and then take months off when the weather gets bad, only to return to running in February. The other alternative is to get yourself on the treadmill, but let’s face it, running on treadmills can be a serious bore. The answer is to start gathering a good set of winter running gear so you can keep on going, whatever the weather, wherever you happen to live.