There are countless benefits to running and everyone should enjoy it. But can everyone run?Before rushing out in your shoes to run, find out if you are fit to run or not.If you’re a seasoned running guru, it can be easy to be prejudiced against the sport: “Running is good for your health, it’s a natural tonic, and the circuit is fantastic. Everyone should be running!” Don’t barf just yet, I wish I could agree with that view. But the truth is that there are some people who really aren’t cut out for running and are better off choosing other forms of exercise.
Before becoming a running advocate, it’s important to realise that there are several important prerequisites to keep the sport safe and sustainable.
Although most people can benefit from running, there are some contraindications to be aware of. If you currently suffer from a chronic illness or have a family history of medical conditions, it is important to obtain professional advice on physical activity. Here are a few examples.
Type I/II diabetes: exercise can affect blood sugar levels. There are many risks if patients are not clear about the timing of medication, food intake and exercise. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to dizziness, confusion or worse. Running is not suitable if the runner is trying out new medication or adapting to a new routine associated with managing diabetes. Instead, try other, lower-intensity forms of exercise.
Heart disease: If you have a chronic heart condition, you are at high risk of running. For example, surgery may result in chest wall weakness, which can be exacerbated by running. In addition, symptoms such as angina, dizziness and arrhythmias can be exacerbated if the physical activity is too intense. For this group, it is common practice to reduce the intensity of exercise to 50-60% of maximum oxygen uptake as part of physiotherapy.
Osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis: In advanced stages of arthritis, when inflammation levels are high and cartilage levels are low, high-impact exercise such as running may not be appropriate. Aerobic exercises with lower impact levels, such as cycling and swimming, are recommended for this group.
Most patients with chronic conditions can still exercise (highly recommended), but running may not be suitable. Due to the severity of these illnesses, it is important that you have permission from a professional and know your boundaries for engaging in physical activity.
The correct use of medication when running is vital to a person’s health and safety. Some medications cannot be taken followed by exercise, but in most cases exercise and medication do not conflict if the intensity of the exercise is reduced.
Some medications may require creative measures to reduce the intensity of exercise. For example, beta-blockers alter the heart rate, so a talk test or subjective perception of intensity may be more appropriate than monitoring the number of heartbeats per minute. Whenever starting a new medication, always consult your doctor to see if your exercise status has changed.
This item involves some common sense. If a person is considering starting to exercise after a long period of inactivity, their tolerance for high intensity exercise may be low. Figuratively speaking, if a person has been sedentary for a long time, then a walk down the street may be considered a “strenuous exercise”.
The intensity of training should be adjusted to suit the individual’s training status. For people who are not used to exercising or who are heavier, we recommend walking briskly at first and then increasing the intensity of training as the body gets used to it.
Also, daily chores and relaxation exercises can be considered as exercise.
Running is not compatible with some ‘bad habits’. If substance abuse (including painkillers, cigarettes, etc.) is combined with running, it can lead to heart attacks, gastrointestinal bleeding and other accidents.
In one case, a 29-year-old running veteran drank six beers the night before a run and ended up in intensive care the next day. Although this is a very extreme case, it serves as a good reminder that our bodies are not invincible.
Other factors, such as severe sleep deprivation, malnutrition and dehydration, should be high pressure lines for runners to be aware of.
Environmentally related symptoms such as asthma or heat stroke should be taken seriously. Although these symptoms will not completely prevent you from exercising, they can make it more difficult to train at your best. For example, runners with a history of asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during pollen season. Please be aware of your body’s reactions, remain patient and be confident that such perseverance will benefit you in the long run.
Running is great, but running isn’t everything.
If you are a runner, always remind yourself that your body is not invincible. Actively observe all aspects of your health so that you can run for longer. The most important thing to remember is that running is not the be-all and end-all of exercise. There are many, many forms of exercise and running may not be the optimal option for some people.
Running is a great exercise and lifestyle, but it’s not for everyone – but that’s okay.
