Running On Dirt Can Save Your Knees

Running On Dirt Can Save Your Knees

Around the 1970's jogging become a very popular past time among people looking for a healthier lifestyle. Since then jogging and running have grown rapidly and just about worldwide. Since then we have learned a lot about this great pastime both good and bad. Running and jogging is a fun exercise and a great way to peel yourself off your couch and get outside. You will become healthier, burn calories, and get the feeling of released endorphins. You can even join running groups, meet new people, or enter a local race. Along with the good does come the bad, running or jogging is hard on your body. The impact from hitting the ground takes its toll on your legs, muscles and knees. It is not uncommon for people to experience shin splints, torn muscles or knee pain after a few years of running. Sometimes you can experience problems a few days after you begin running, it all depends on your body and how much care you put into safety and recovery.

There are a lot of ways you can save yourself from injury, including stretching, keeping your shoes up to date, running on softer surfaces, and icing. The easiest method is running on softer service, it does not require any extra work on your end except for maybe driving to a dirt trail is one isn't available within walking distance from your house. The impact is primarily targeted on your knees and heels and after running miles on concrete and asphalt your body has taken a beating. Although you may feel fine it will eventually break down and lead to some kind of injury. Each step you take puts anywhere from 700 to 1000 pounds of pressure on your knee. By running on dirt instead of concrete you are softening the load per step that your knees absorb. If you run primarily on dirt you are protecting yourself from injury and helping keep your knees stronger and healthier. If dirt trails are not available to you try running on grass. Grass is an excellent material to run on as well, but, you will find it slows you down as well. Besides the fact that is slows you down it is an even better material to run on than dirt and extremely lightens the load your knees absorb. You may think sand would be a good option as well since it seems like it would be easy on the knees, and it is, but you also twist and turn your knees with every step in and out of the sand. That will eventually lead to injuries and should not be a material you run on all the time.

If you can avoid running on asphalt or concrete you will save yourself from a greater risk of injury and be a happier runner. Seek out your local trails and start a healthier running lifestyle.