Running is one of the most effective ways to keep fit and offers a huge range of health benefits such as improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles, joints and bones, and burning excess calories.

Regular exercise is also great for keeping your mind active and reducing stress, and running can be very fun and enjoyable, as well as relaxing. Whether you’re already a successful runner, or thinking about taking it up as a beginner, as with any kind of sport or activity, having the right equipment is essential and we’ve put together a list of some of the best gear to boost your sport. If you decide to invest in some new clothing or accessories, you can pick up a bargain with this inov8 student discount for your next online purchase.

  • Running Shoes

Choosing a decent pair of shoes for your run is absolutely essential. After all, they are what will keep your feet, and your entire body supported and secure while running. A good pair of running shoes should be flexible, supportive, and breathable. If you’re running outdoors early in the morning or during the evening, it’s also a good idea to consider a pair with night-time reflectivity to keep you safe. Luckily, there are hundreds of different types and styles to choose from, with plenty of options to suit everyone so be sure to do some research before you pick your next pair. Make sure that they are comfortable and supportive so that you can get the most out of every run. Socks are also important as they will also help improve your comfort and productivity while running, so check out some specially designed running socks to match your new shoes.

  • Clothing

Clothing choices for your run will usually depend on the season and the weather and you should take into account the fact that your body temperature will be changing during the different stages of your run. For colder conditions, make sure you wear warm, or even thermal items to keep your body at a regular temperature. In the warmer months, you may be tempted to wear lighter apparel but don’t forget to consider protecting yourself from the sun and wind that can be damaging to your body. A light windproof jacket is a good choice for cooler weather and if the sun is out, you could consider wearing a hat to protect your face and don’t forget your sunscreen too!

  • Accessories

There are loads of accessories that can boost your running performance and some of them are also important for your health. Probably, the most essential item that you shouldn’t leave the house without is a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout the run. You can find different types of eco-friendly bottles that are specially designed for running and you can store it together with other accessories in a convenient hydration pack or running belt that are ideal for comfortably storing your water, phone, and keys.

  • Technology

If you’re working towards a particular goal, or just want to keep track of your progress, you may want to think about using a GPS watch or other similar device to help you. Many simple devices can easily keep track of your location, running pace and distance, heart rate, and calorie consumption. There are also lots of applications that you can even run from your smartphone to do the same job. Tech devices or connections through your mobile phone can also allow you to listen to your favourite music while running to boost your productivity even more.

We’ve mentioned the importance of regular exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing. If you're just heading out on your very first run, it’s a wise idea not to overdo it to avoid any unnecessary injuries or complications. To find out how much exercise is the right amount for you, there is lots of useful information and physical activity guidelines on the NHS website.

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