As someone who decided to pick up running at the age of 52 (they say it’s never too late, huh?), I was looking for something that could guide me through every step of the process. That’s when I stumbled upon Joggo, a running app that promised to help beginners like me not only start running but also enjoy it. I read this article on Forbes, got the app here, and went for it. Here’s my honest review of how Joggo has transformed my daily routine and overall lifestyle.
Starting Slow: Building a Habit, One Run at a Time
When I first opened Joggo, I was relieved to see that it didn’t expect me to start running marathons overnight. The app created a personalized training plan based on my fitness level and goals (there is a quiz and the first test run that helps the app understand where you are in your fitness journey and what you want to achieve). The gradual increase in intensity helped me build a habit without feeling overwhelmed.
Making Running a Part of My Daily Routine
One of the biggest challenges I faced was making running a habit. I wanted it to become a must-have, something as obvious as brushing my teeth. Yet, habits take time to form, and Joggo’s reminders and flexible schedule options made it easy to fit in a run, whether it was in the morning, during lunch break, or in the evening. I work part time, however, my hours vary, and it’s so easy to get distracted and skip a workout. I’ve been there too many times with other fitness routines, so I really wanted to stick with running this time. The app’s motivational tips and progress tracking kept me accountable and encouraged me to keep going.
The Joy of Running: Turning Exercise into Enjoyment… Eventually…
Initially, running felt like a chore. I could barely make a mile, and let me tell you, I was sloooooow! But as I followed Joggo’s plan, it became something I looked forward to. The app’s gamified approach, with achievements and milestones, turned every run into a small victory. Listening to my favorite music and using Joggo’s in-app audio guides, I found myself actually enjoying the time I spent running. It took me over 6 months to honestly say that I enjoy my runs, but finally, I do!
Organizing My Lifestyle: More Than Running
Joggo isn’t just about running; it’s about creating a balanced lifestyle. Something to stick with, form healthier habits and maintain health well into my senior years- that was the plan. Joggo provides nutritional advice and meal plans tailored to support my running goals. To be honest, I did not love all the recipes, however, they did provide me with inspiration and occasional dinner ideas. I think it helped me not only become a better runner but also adopt healthier eating habits (and cut back on my wine but that’s a story for another day).
Strength Workouts: Enhancing My Running Performance
As we age, we lose our muscle mass, with is bad for quite a few reasons – less muscle means more fat, slower metabolism, and less support for the bones. So, I knew I had to step up my strength training but I’ve always hated the gym and all those weights. Speaking of teaching an old dogs new tricks. So, when I saw Joggo’s option for a strength training plan, I paid for it immediately. Those strength workouts are about 15 minutes long, designed not so much to develop a six pack (not realistic anyways) but to improve my overall fitness and prevent injuries. I found the strength workouts to be a great addition to my weekly routine, making me feel stronger and more capable during my runs, as well as in my daily life. I don’t think I’ve had an episode of back pain even once since I started working out with Joggo.
Conclusion: Joggo Helped Me Discover a New Passion
Joggo has truly been a game-changer for me. It helped me transition from a complete beginner to someone who enjoys running and looks forward to it. The app’s comprehensive approach, including personalized plans, nutritional guidance, and strength workouts, has made a significant impact on my life. If you’re looking to start running and want an app that supports you every step of the way, I highly recommend giving Joggo a try.
By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire other women over 50 to take that first step towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. If I can do it, so can you!
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