Jogging is an ideal aerobic activity that will strengthen your body and mind.  Jogging is a good exercise for anyone.  Your size or starting fitness level will not affect your ability to get started jogging. 

All you need to learn how to start running is a good pair of running shoes.  Make sure your shoes fit well and offer adequate support.  Once you are set with shoes, you are ready to begin jogging.  The first day may be the most difficult.  Regardless of how hard you have to push your mind and body keep on trying.

You will find yourself encouraged if you have a way to measure your progress.  Each method of measuring progress has its own pros and cons.  Choose the means of measuring progress that is easiest for you.  Keep everything simple in order to keep you encouraged to jog.  A treadmill will measure speed and distance, but many people find a treadmill monotonous and boring over time. 

Jogging at a public park on a roadside with well-known visual markers will help you keep track of your distance.  Without a stopwatch, however, you will be unable to track progress including speed.  Another good tool for jogging is an iPod, or any MP3 player.  Listening to music will help motivate and inspire you to keep jogging.  A partner will also help keep you accountable and will be able to challenge you to improve yourself, as the two of you can have mini-races within your jog.

Before you jog begin with a short warm up of walking and stretching.  This should only take two to three minutes, just enough time to get your blood pumping.  Your first goal as a jogger should be to accomplish a certain distance.  Work on speed and time as you go.  As a beginner you may run three and a half to four miles an hour.  You may not be impressed with your speed, but don’t worry about it.  You will improve with time.  You will also improve as you learn to take your stride.  Some joggers are more comfortable with a long stride, while others feel better with shorter, quicker strides. 

It takes more mental willpower to keep jogging than physical energy.  Your mind will try to tell you that you can’t do it.  That is because it is a new activity to which your body and mind may be resistant.  Capture your thoughts and remind yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to.  Calm yourself and concentrate on correct breathing.  Focus on self motivation and completing the jogging task you have laid out for yourself.  Keep in mind, slow and steady always wins the race.  You can do it.  Jog as long as you can, then take a short walk to cool down.  It is also advisable to stretch before you complete your exercise routine.

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