Let's get Physical; 4 steps to becoming a runner

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Running is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, improve mental health, tone up and get some fresh air. It is a powerful form of exercise with many benefits for your mind and body, including supporting healthy blood flow, blood pressure and promotes a healthy heart. Plus, apart from getting the right supportive gear, it is often touted as the least expensive form of exercise.

Whether you're a runner at heart, or wanting to step up your power walks, Jess Stenson, Australian athlete and lululemon ambassador, believes that anyone can be a runner with the right techniques under their belt. She shares her top tips and tricks for becoming the runner you never thought you would be, as well as her top five Lululemon pieces to get you motivated to start!

Run with friends or a run club – if you’re the type of person who gains energy from others, I recommend joining a running group or club, or finding a friend to share your training journey with. This will help you reach goals and challenge yourself more than you perhaps would alone. Training with others can be very empowering. It can fuel your motivation by keeping you accountable and making the process more enjoyable, particularly on the days when you might not be feeling it.

Invest in gear that will see you from start to finish – I'm always excited to pop on my lululemon running gear! My personal faves from the new Road to Trail collection are the Fast and Free Reflective High-Rise Tights and the Energy Bra Long Line. Feeling good is the key to getting up and out the front door, so invest in work-out wear that you love and feel happy in.

Start small – not everyone will be able to get up and run 5 kilometres in their first go. Understand that running is a gradual process. Patience is the key, and you will notice improvements through consistency. Set small goals for yourself that are attainable and that align with your current fitness and strength. This way the end goal won’t seem so intimidating, and you’ll be able to enjoy the process.

Take breaks – Remember to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. Ensure you are taking breaks during your run but also in between runs. These breaks allow your body to adapt to the training and give you time to reflect on your goals and go into your next run feeling motivated and energised.