Jogging is a very popular form of keep fit. It promotes fitness quickly and efficiently and burns more calories than other activities, making it attractive to people who want to control their weight. It is advisable not to jog every day.

It is because of its intensity that jogging releases endorphins, creating the jogger’s high that some describe as an ‘energy buzz.’ Like aerobic exercise this can be a good natural antidepressant and is known to lift your mood.

However, jogging also has some serious disadvantages that we should consider before choosing to do it on a regular basis:

• The chance of injury from jogging, is greater than for any of the other aerobic activities. Jogging can traumatise the legs, knees and back, as well as the kidneys. You can minimize this possibility by taking several precautions;
• Wear well-made running shoes designed to minimize shock to the joints. Women should wear athletic bras, and everyone should warm up before they start a run, not by stretching but by running in slow motion;
•  If you develop pain in your joints, stop jogging, or cut down on exercise, until you determine the reason for the pain. This caution applies to any form of physical activity;
• Jogging, also seems more open to abuse than other forms of aerobic exercise, because of its stressful nature and consequent effect on the endorphin system;
• Many people become addicted and can create problems with their health later on. Too much exercise can deplete bone density, causing Osteoporosis;
• Also, try not to go jogging in the heat. The extreme stress of jogging in heat can have an affect on the cardiovascular and urinary systems;
• It is important to remember to replace lost fluids;
•  It is easy to take in a lot of exhaust fumes when your breathing is stimulated by aerobic exercise. If you are jogging, it would be good to jog off the road.

To make it easier on the joints, jog indoors on a treadmill instead. Most models allow you to vary the speed and incline and give you continuous information about your work output, on a screen. Treadmills can greatly reduce injury because the running surface has the proper springiness for safety.

However, many people find treadmills boring and may often find ways to entertain themselves while using one, such as listening to music or watching t.v. Tracking your runs on a smartphone helps you keep a track progress, and set realistic goals.

Over time as your performance gradually improves and you feel the benefits of your overall fitness, this will continue to encourage you. Overall, the advantages of jogging outweigh the disadvantages, but as with all exercises caution is required.