How Jazzercise Made Me A Better Runner

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Runners do more than just run. I have found that going to Jazzercise helps me be a better runner, in fact, it’s how I trained for my first half marathon. See how Jazzercise made me a better runner.

How Jazzercise Made Me A Better Runner

I am one of those people that needs to have a variety of ways to do things.  So, while I love to run, I need to train for my runs by doing more than just running.  One of the ways that I train to be a better runner is by doing different forms of cardio and following a few nutritional tips for women. While runners pay attention to what they eat since their nutritional intake provides the needed fuel that allows them to run, there are also other things we need to pay attention to. While this is true of runners across the board, female runners, in particular, must be mindful of certain nutritional needs due to their specific body chemistry. Being aware of the following points of concern can help women make sure that strength, endurance and overall health will always be a part of their exercise routine.

Eat Protein

Though carbs provide a well-known boost to runners, protein is equally important in maintaining a healthy running and exercise routine. Protein repairs muscles after your workout, protecting the body against injury and strengthening it for future workouts. While some people may erroneously associate protein with body-building, it is absolutely essential to a woman’s running routine as well. Protein-rich foods include beans, fish, soy and dairy products, and nuts.

Make Sure To Have Dietary Fats

Though many women view fat as an enemy, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet for an active lifestyle. Depriving oneself of healthy fats can adversely affect skin and hair, and can also leave runners constantly hungry.

Furthermore, a recent study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition demonstrated that female runners with a lower intake of dietary fat were more prone to injury. To maintain a healthy fat intake, women should include monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. These healthy fats can be found in foods like fish, nuts, olive oil, and avocados.

Don’t Skimp On Iron

All athletes face iron depletion through sweating, and women, in particular, are at risk due to additional loss through menstruation. As a result, women are more prone to anemia and exhaustion. To maintain a healthy running routine, aim for 15 milligrams of iron each day.

Though lean cuts of red meat are an excellent source of iron, women can also attain their daily dose through mineral supplements and multivitamins. Iron-rich plant sources like beans, dried fruit, and kale are best eaten with citrus fruits, as vitamin C aids its absorption.

Get Calcium from Dairy and Non-Dairy Sources

Women, in particular, need healthy doses of calcium in their diet, as insufficient amounts weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis. Runners who do not consume enough calcium are also more prone to muscle cramping.

Most women require a total of 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day, or 1,500 milligrams if over 50 years old. Since the body can only absorb about 500 milligrams at a time, servings should be consumed throughout the day.

Dairy products contain the most concentrated amounts of calcium, but women adverse to dairy can find it elsewhere. Calcium-rich plant sources include kale, broccoli, legumes, calcium-fortified soy products, greens, and almonds.

Healthy Eating

Though runners sometimes vary between eating too much on the assumption that they’ll burn off a bunch calories, or eating too little in an attempt to lose weight, a healthy medium is best for maintaining health and avoiding injury. For women, this is particularly important. Being mindful of their bodies’ unique needs can help female runners sustain a healthy running routine for life.

If you follow me on Instagram you will see pictures of my kids, my love of wine, my RunKeeper stats, and my favorite recipes.  I am a runner and I go to Jazzercise.

Now, you may think that’s a weird combination, or you may think that you can only do one type of exercise.  And I am here to tell you that it’s a fabulous combination and you don’t have to do just one type of exercise.  There are lots of different forms of cardio, and I also believe that it’s important to add weights to your workouts.

It’s been almost 10 years now when my sister-in-law came down for a visit and she told me that we were going to do a half marathon in St. Pete.  I had never done one before, but I thought…how hard could it be?  I was in good shape and I regularly went to Jazzercise, so I didn’t think much about it.  A few weeks before the run I went on a few 6 mile walks and one 8 mile walk/jog.

My training for my 1st half marathon was regularly attending Jazzercise and a few long walks/jogs.  Here are some additional Half Marathon Training Tips.

How did my 1st Half Marathon go?

It was a life changing experience.  I loved it.  I finished.  And not only did I finish, but I finished with a decent time and it sparked my desire to run more.  I was insanely sore the next 2 days, but it was a sore I didn’t mind.  It was the sore than you get from accomplishing something amazing.

Was it my last Half Marathon?

Nope, I was a St. Jude Hero in November 2014 and I have done several since then.

Do I still go to Jazzercise?

YES.  Running is excellent cardio.  But, I don’t do weights at home, I don’t lay down and do abs.  Jazzercise is a full body workout.  Plus, my heart rate gets higher at Jazzercise than when I run!

Why do I think Jazzercise makes me a better runner?

Running takes endurance, dedication, and a desire to be a better, healthier you.  I get those things from going to Jazzercise.

I am not telling you that you have to run or go to Jazzercise.  I am just suggesting that maybe you try a few new things when it comes to your workout routine.  You just may enjoy it.  You just may hit that goal you never thought possible.

Looking to join Jazzercise?  You can check out all the locations here.

Have you been to Jazzercise before?  Are you a runner?  Do you think that different forms of exercise help you to make you a better runner?

Make sure to follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my runs and Jazzercise classes.   Be sure to follow Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.