So as another year draws to a close, and once the chaos and excess of Christmas has passed, many of us will start to turn our thoughts to a new year and a new beginning through a New Year resolution. These often focus on improving our health through diet or exercise but how successful are they? A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman at the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people found 88% of those who set New Year’s resolutions failed.

So if we are serious about getting healthier and fitter in the New Year how can we best go about it?

Running is one of the most accessible forms of aerobic exercise – requiring minimal equipment, except a pair of runners, is inexpensive and by burning around 700 calories an hour is also one of the most effective. Running also offers you the flexibility to train at your own pace, with or without company, any time of the day, anywhere in the world. One of the first things I pack when travelling is my running shoes and love exploring new cities and places whilst going for a run (a good sense of direction or pocket map is essential!)

Tackling the trail together.

“Fit 4 Running” has been developed by Coastal Physiotherapy in Maroochydore on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and is an invaluable tool for all runners from beginners to experienced athletes. With any training program consistency is the key and therefore keeping niggling injuries at bay is vital. Up to 70% of recreational and competitive runners sustain overuse injuries during any 12 month period. Overuse injuries are more likely as a result of training errors, such as poor running technique or increasing distance too quickly, than acute injuries. ”Fit 4 Running” focuses on minimising these training mistakes to ensure you can run consistently and with less physical limitation.

Assessment of any biomechanical limitations to your running style is the first stage in “Fit 4 Running” – assessing joint movement, muscle strength and flexibility, co-ordination and balance that are essential for good running technique. Utilising Soft Tissue Release and other physiotherapy treatment modalities, we are able to improve any areas of restriction or tightness in Stage 2. Self-management of these targeted areas is made possible with the provision of a home based exercise program. It is then time to get in front of the camera! In Stage 3 we utilise video analysis to assess your running and provide drills for correction of technique. The final step in “Fit 4 Running” – Stage 4 – is the design and implementation of a tailored training program.

Whatever you resolution may be – to simply start running, complete a 10km race or even a marathon! – a training program is immensely beneficial in scheduling your workouts; providing structured variations to your running; improving motivation and consistency in your training; reducing injuries through graduated increases in training; and ensuring you achieve your training goals.

Coastal Physiotherapy’s “Fit 4 Running” program can be undertaken as individual stages only or as a complete package for the best value. If running is your New Year’s Resolution then let the experienced team at Coastal Physiotherapy ensure you are part of the 12% that makes that resolution work and find a healthier, happier you! Call us on (07) 5443 6634 to make an appointment or discuss the “Fit 4 Running” program.