Health Fitness & Exercise Workouts How to Start Running, Whether You're Out of Practice or a Total Beginner These quick and easy tips will help you with your form, your breathing, and your pace. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 18, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty Images/dusanpetkovic If you've never tried running before—or you let that old running routine fall by the wayside (hey, life is busy and running is hard!)—it's never too late to start. As an equipment-free, full-body form of exercise, running can strengthen your cardiovascular system, increase bone density, and clear your mind. So kudos to you for choosing to give running a try. Dead Butt Syndrome Is a Real Thing—Here Are 4 Basic Exercises to Bring Your Glutes Back to Life 01 of 06 Interval One: 1 Minute Jason Lee For this first minute, focus on your form. Roll your shoulders back and down, drawing them away from your ears. Swing your arms in an even front-to-back motion. Keep your head up and your hands relaxed. Simple Exercise Moves to Help You Eliminate 6 Annoying Aches and Pains 02 of 06 Interval Two: 2 Minutes Jason Lee To find your rhythm, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. It may help to count silently while you breathe—in for two counts and out for two, for example. Be sure to maintain a steady pace. 03 of 06 Interval Three: 3 Minutes Jason Lee To stay motivated while running (and walking), listen to a running playlist full of inspirational music—whatever moves you, whether it’s Van Halen or the Biebs. How to Maximize Your Workout Routine if You’re Short on Time 04 of 06 Interval Four: 4 Minutes Jason Lee This is your longest run interval—set mental mini-goals to stay motivated and push through it. If you’re outdoors, focus on reaching a point in the distance, like a tree, stop sign, or familiar building. On a treadmill? Count 10 seconds at a time. Small wins keep you going, Honerkamp says. 05 of 06 Interval Five: 3 Minutes Jason Lee You’re in the home stretch, so challenge yourself to pick up the pace slightly (to gauge how hard you should be breathing, leave yourself enough lung capacity to sing out loud). At the same time, take longer strides to push yourself. Here’s How to Become a Morning Workout Person and Actually Stick With It 06 of 06 Interval Six: 2 Minutes Jason Lee Keep up the quick pace for the running portion of this final interval, then slow down to a walk for the second half. Turn your head from side to side and roll your shoulders a few times to loosen your upper body, then slow to a stop and stretch your hamstrings, quads, and calves. 5 Easy, Everyday Hip Stretches for Anyone Who Sits All Day Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit