Jogging is not an activity for everyone. Some people are unable to jog due to specific health problems (such as osteoarthritis or heart disease), others simply don’t consider it appropriate. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of jogging?

Great opportunities

No matter how fast you jog or how tired you feel afterwards — the undisputed advantage of jogging is that it is one of the best cardiovascular and fat burning exercises. This activity may seem exhausting at first, but it will pay off. You can not only improve your physical condition, but also build your self-confidence. Most people who started jogging think it was one of the best decisions they ever made.

Possible injuries

It would be unfair not to mention that jogging also carries a risk of muscle cramps and injuries. There can be many reasons for this, such as inaccurate warm-up, uneven terrain or physical abilities that we didn’t know about before. Sometimes you think you can cover a certain distance even though your physical condition doesn’t seem to be good enough. In addition, it is strongly recommended to avoid jogging on unfamiliar terrain. If you have the chance to do so, at least take a walk in this place, especially if it is a forest or something like that. Even jogging in the park can result in possible injuries, so keeping you safe is a high priority.

Have fun

One of the great things about jogging is the pleasure it gives you. That is, after you start breathing regularly. For many joggers, this is literally the only time of day they can “switch off” and just listen to music without thinking about anything. No calls, no meetings — it is a time for pure relaxation. Almost everyone needs it. If you feel like you need some time alone, you probably should try jogging.

Indications and contraindications for jogging

Jogging, like any other activity, may be more or less recommended for certain people. One of the most important indications for jogging is excess body fat and the need to get rid of it. But jogging while overweight can also be dangerous, so you should start with relatively simple and short routes that will not cause injuries. On the other hand, there are also contraindications for jogging. Among them are all kinds of heart disease. Jogging is a cardio workout and, thus, it can lead to the increased blood flow, which is potentially dangerous, especially for people with hypertension (high blood pressure). This activity should also be avoided by people who have problems with their knee joints. Unfortunately, jogging can cause injuries in knees. This is not a good idea for anyone who already suffers from osteoarthritis. Jogging can be very beneficial, but you need to consider if it is right for you.