Who shouldn’t run? Read before your first training 

Running is a beautiful sport that you can do without any special accessories. Any available accessories only can help you run more comfortably. Therefore, this form of physical activity is very popular all over the world. 

Unfortunately, there are cases when you cannot run. Some contraindications exclude you from this sport. Who shouldn’t run? Read on and find out before you start your first workout.

Obesity and running – can you do it?

Many people start running because they want to lose weight and finally feel good about their bodies. This physical activity is an effective form of fat burning – this I cannot deny. However, it is not a suitable sport for people who are obese. Moreover, running will be harmful to them. 

However, let’s start with when a person is obese. This can be easily checked by calculating the BMI (body mass index). 

BMI = weight (lb) / [height (in)]² x 703

Obesity begins when your BMI score is more than 30. That’s when you know that your form of losing pounds should not be running. 

Are you wondering why? When you run, you put a strain on your musculoskeletal system – especially your feet and knees. If you have a lot of excess weight, you’ll experience even more strain, which could lead to an injury that could exclude you from sports for a few weeks or months – at this point, you can already say “bye-bye” to lower weight for the future.

If you are obese, then you should look for other forms of physical activity that will make you shed pounds until your BMI is right to slowly start running. You can start your adventure with light exercise, walking, marching, or cycling. This will also get your body used to the effort. 

Don’t give up and pursue your goal – even if it’s a slow progression, know that a truly wonderful reward awaits you at the finish line!

Can back pain exclude you from running? 

If you have back pain, you are bound to wonder whether running will be appropriate and whether it will aggravate your condition. 

If you are struggling with injury, illness, and back pain at the very beginning, consult your doctor and ask whether the sport will be good for your health. If the consultation goes well and there are no contraindications, that’s great.

You should not run when you are diagnosed with discopathy. Many specialists advise their patients against this sport. 

And what about the strain on the spine when running? In this case, the most important thing is the correct running technique, i.e.: running from the midfoot, back straight, feet placed under the body, not in front, and arms bent at a 90-degree angle. At the very beginning, you may put a little more stress on your spine, as you are just learning good technique. It will get better with time. When you have back problems you must remember to do strengthening exercises.

Who shouldn’t run? Joint problems

When you run you put stress on your joints – it’s not news. However, there are some contraindications when you should let running go – if you suffer from arthritis or are recovering from injuries. First recuperate well, rest, and get your joints into a good condition that will give you confidence that you won’t aggravate them. 

That’s why you should see a doctor before you start training, who will examine you and give you the green light or tell you that you should still give up training for a while. Get yourself examined after the injury and find out if you can run safely. Remember that such physical activity should always be rewarding, enjoyable, and, above all, safe.

Do circulatory problems and heart disease exclude you from running?

Do you have heart or circulatory problems? Are you after a heart attack? You should not start running. It is an intense type of sport that not only puts a strain on the musculoskeletal system (especially the joints), but also on your heart. Therefore, you should consult a cardiologist before training. With such disorders, you mustn’t take any risks, so a meeting with a doctor can clear up any questions.

Pregnancy, diabetes, and other diseases – what is a myth and what the truth

There are still several ailments, diseases, and conditions that people most often perceive as exclusion from running. However, what is it really like? Let’s see! 

• Pregnancy – in this case, it all depends on your condition and your doctor. If you were running before pregnancy and feel fine, ask if you are in a condition to allow such sport. If the doctors have no contraindications, and you are regularly active, then (in most cases) you can run (usually until the end of the second trimester – if the doctor allows). After that time, let the activity go – don’t take risks and focus on yourself and the baby. You certainly don’t want any complications to arise.
• Diabetes – running with diabetes is possible. It is best to do regular but moderate exercise. Before running, measure your sugar. If the glucose level in your blood is at a high level, avoid running and postpone the training. People who have uncontrolled diabetes should give up running.
• Anemia – anemic people can run, but a steady effort is not recommended – do interval running. Moreover, if you are weakened then it is better to wait and supplement deficiencies to return to normal. You certainly don’t want to suddenly pass out during training. However, the most important thing is to consult a doctor before you start.
• Asthma – it is said that People who have asthma should exercise and be physically active. Regular sports can increase lung capacity. There are also cases where asthma attacks and other symptoms decrease. As you can see, asthma can’t be an excuse! 😉
• Plantar fasciitis – it is a heel pain after running, which is localized in the sole, and intensifies in the morning when you get up. This condition is considered very serious when it even hurts when you walk. If you are experiencing such pain stop running and go to a doctor for a consultation. If it turns out that you have plantar fasciitis, then you need to let go of running for at least a few weeks.

As you can see, various ailments, diseases, and conditions can prevent you from doing the sport that is running. However, it is prudent to always go to a doctor before you start training so that they can examine you thoroughly and tell you whether it is good and safe for you to do this sports activity. Remember that if you can’t run, you can always choose another sport that will also bring the expected results, such as – sculpting your body, or losing weight. Find a sport that satisfies you!