Great for the soul and good for your health, there’s no better time than now to start a running program. But before you hit the ground running, get up to speed with the latest information, some professional advice and important tips to be culled from a variety of running activities and programs planned at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Wyomissing this month. Whether you’re a beginner, advanced or somewhere in between, every runner can benefit from these programs.
Running is a great form of exercise, offers mental and physical benefits, and the best part? It’s easy to learn! Morgan Fogelman, Director of Personal Training at Body Zone, says, “Among the many benefits running offers, decreased stress and depression are two I like to highlight with my clients. Decreases in sunlight and Vitamin D during the winter months can be easily countered by including a brisk 20-minute run into your fitness routine.”
If you’re new to running, starting March 5, you can join a 5K running class in, “Your Way to a 5K,” with Danielle Hirt, an RRCA-certified running coach. This 8-week, beginner-friendly running group will help those wanting to learn how to run correctly. Focusing on form and breathing techniques, Hirt can also help those looking to develop a running plan develop goals to stay motivated. The program also touches on essentials like proper gear, hydration, stretching and more. Group running is great for beginners because you tend to give more of an effort when running with others. At the end of the program you can show off your new skills by participating in a 5K race, Beat Beethoven, at Alvernia University on April 19.
On April 7 at the Run Smarter event, spend from 7-9pm at Body Zone if you’re interested in running on any level – for fitness or fun, competitively, or at a beginner’s level. The health and wellness professionals from Body Zone and Commonwealth Orthopaedics Associates will offer up the latest information in running, lending professional advice aimed at keeping you safe and healthy.
The evening will kick-off with a dynamic group warm up on the turf fields – so come prepared to work out. Breakout group sessions during the event will touch on such topics as core strengthening, flexibility, Kinesiology taping and the mechanics of the running stride. Physical therapists will also be on hand to discuss concerns from those with past running-related injuries.
Looking to pick up some new running gear or technology? Don’t miss the display from West Reading’s A Running Start. Light refreshments will be provided and registration is required by either calling 610.376.2100 or visiting bodyzonesports.com/training.
Speaking of those refreshments, another important component in a running program is proper nutrition. Learn how to properly fuel your run and other active endeavors at the nutrition seminar, “Sports Foods: Comparing Options to Optimize Performance,” by Andrea Dillaway-Huber, PhD, RD, and LDN on March 31.
For more information including a related fee schedule, visit bodyzonesports.com/learn or contact ckolva@bodyzonesports.com.
