Why do athletes run to the left? Running for weight loss. Interval running in the stadium

One of the most accessible, practical and effective sports at all times has been and remains running. But in order for classes to benefit your health, you need to train correctly, choose comfortable shoes, constantly monitor your physical condition, monitor your heart rate and breathing. Running is a great way to improve your health, but only if you know how to run properly.

Running technique

The correct running step begins with the hand, then the arms, torso, hips, and only then the legs come into play. The hands should be slightly clenched into fists, slightly straining the wrists to fix them in one position. Hands should be symmetrical, shoulders should not sway.

The body only needs to be slightly tilted forward and not allowed to “wobble” from side to side. The point of contact of the foot with the treadmill should be in line with the head and hips. While running, the correct posture and even position of the torso must be maintained.

Don't try to increase your stride length. It must be natural. If you try to increase the length of your stride, it will not bring you any practical benefit.

If the correct position of the body is observed, the legs will work on their own. And as a result of prolonged training, with an increase in strength in the muscles of the legs, the step length will gradually increase. You need to run in your natural style without trying to lengthen your stride.

Try to put your heel on the ground first, and then make a smooth roll to the rest of the foot. This technique allows you to avoid unnecessary stress on the musculoskeletal system. For a smooth roll of the foot, you need to use the front muscles of the lower leg.

In the course of several training sessions, control the position of the foot and you will quickly learn how to put it on the ground correctly. While running, try not to bounce, move gently and smoothly. Your eyes should be fixed on the horizon - this is the best way to control the correct posture during class.

We run correctly: time and place of classes

After a few days, begin to gradually switch to running, alternating it with walking. After several weeks of training, you can gradually increase the time of training up to 20-30 minutes, increase the pace and length of the distance. The optimal schedule for running training is three to four times a week for 40-50 minutes.

For a rational distribution of loads on different muscle groups, the correct choice of terrain is also important. For example, when ascending, the feet and ankles are maximally strained, and when descending, the shins and knees are maximally strained. Try to choose a route in such a way that the ascents and descents alternate with flat terrain, this will allow you to properly develop all muscle groups.

Avoid asphalt sections of the route - running on asphalt can lead to injuries to the spine, knee joint and foot. If you still have to run on an asphalt track, wear shoes with increased cushioning properties, with thick soles - it will help soften the impact a little.

Proper breathing while running

Try to breathe evenly, without making any effort, slightly accentuate the exhalation. If you feel a tingle in your side, try breathing through your mouth. If this does not help, slow down the pace of the workout. This tingling indicates that your body lacks oxygen, which means you are a little carried away.

During classes, you need to control your heart rate. An increased heart rate also indicates that the load is too high and you need to either slow down or end the workout. In today's market, you can find a lot of electronic devices that will help you monitor your pulse, remember readings and determine the amount of deviation from the norm.

Before and after workout

Before jogging, it is advisable to do a short warm-up for up to 15 minutes. The purpose of the warm-up is to prepare various muscle groups for a serious load, to bring them to full readiness. A light set of warm-up exercises should include squats, lunges, tilts and turns of the body, alternating with vigorous walking.

After class, be sure to drink a glass of fruit juice or mineral water, first take a warm and then a contrast shower, which will enhance the invigorating effect of the workout.

All these recommendations are universal for all fans of a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their gender and age. They will help you run in such a way that you get the desired positive effect and maximum pleasure from your workouts, avoid injuries and discomfort.

The question is unusual and interesting. Try asking someone about it. I am sure that a smile will appear on the face of your interlocutor, and then some simple answer will follow. Something like: "Because the left leg is shorter than the right." Or like this: "Because counterclockwise is easier to run." Some even answer that this is how people are able to slow down time. Jokes are jokes, and that's why they actually run counterclockwise, only a few know. To be honest, until recently I myself was not aware of such an interesting fact. And I never asked myself this question until it crept into my head on my morning run.

Option number 1. Running counterclockwise was invented in ancient Greece.

Experts say that the answer is simple and logical.

The thing is that the ancient Greeks determined the time by the sun and, running exactly counterclockwise, it was easier for them to determine the time by their own shadow.

What is the ease of calculating the time, I, to be honest, do not really understand. But people talk about it and, therefore, this opinion has the right to exist.

In the same way, new things are being intensively discussed now.

Option number 2. Most people on the planet are right-handed.

Therefore, the International Association of Athletics Federations decided that all athletes must run counterclockwise.

According to the commission, if the athletes are right-handed, then their right leg is stronger, which means its place is on the outer circle, since the load on it will be greater.

I wonder what left-handers think about this? Injustice, however.

Option number 3. Because that's how horses run on the hippodrome.

When the rider drives the horse with a whip, holding it in his right hand, she, frightened, heads to the left.

I do not know how you will react to this option, but I am extremely surprised by this assumption. People run like that because horses run like that - a funny absurdity.

Option number 4. The reason is pagan religious motives.

The pagans believed that the direction of movement while running should be directed towards the sun, or rather, towards the god they worshiped.

Interesting guess, isn't it?

Option number 5. During movement, our human body shifts to the right.

But how this shift occurs, I still do not understand. A strange hypothesis, but it also takes place among all the others.

If you need running shoes but don't know how to choose them, read on.

Option number 6. When turning to the left, a large and sufficient blood flow is provided to the main organ of the whole organism - the heart muscle.

I don’t know about you, but I consider this a kind of delusion, because the speed of blood movement through the vessels increases instantly at the slightest load on the body.

In this case, running itself is this very load. So that intensive blood circulation during running is ensured without turning to the left.

Option number 7. The right leg is longer than the left and its swing will be correspondingly larger.

This version of the answer made me not only smile, but also laugh.

Option number 8. Clinging to the laws of physics, one can fish out an assumption of the following kind.

When an athlete runs counterclockwise, then the angular velocity vector, which we all know about from school, is directed upwards and the athlete does not feel resistance to his movement when turning left.

All the same experts say that if he runs clockwise, then it is precisely due to this runner that he presses him to the ground in the direction of his movement. And it presses it because the vector of angular velocity while running clockwise is directed downwards, and when it turns to the right, it feels a noticeable resistance to its movement.

That's why people run counterclockwise. From myself I can say that it is the 8thI like this option better than the previous one.

You know, I tried to run a couple of circles clockwise just for fun. He ran, turned around and ran in the opposite direction.

I was not comfortable and unusual due to the fact that I had to turn right. That's why I'm leaning more towards the last answer.

I think you should definitely ask a friend or a left-handed friend to run like that too, and if it is more convenient for them to run in a circle counterclockwise, then we can conclude that physics decides everything. Don't forget.

Related video

Here's what people say about running counterclockwise.

Denis Statsenko was with you. All HOS! See you

Why do stadiums run counterclockwise? The question is very unusual. The answers to it are also quite interesting: "Because the left leg is shorter than the right" or "Clockwise is much more difficult to run." Many manage to joke: "So you can slow down time." One way or another, let's figure out in which direction it is right to run around the stadium. We will also give some advice to novice athletes.

Why do people run counterclockwise in the stadium?

There are several theories as to why runners run the way they do. Below are 5 possible answers to the question: "Why do stadiums run counterclockwise?".

IAAF international standard

Running counterclockwise is the international standard. It was accepted by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). This is due to the fact that most runners are right-handed. And it is easier for them to run, starting from the right foot. She is physically stronger and better developed. Moreover, for many, the right leg is indeed several millimeters longer than the left.

When we push off with the right foot, we take the body a little to the left side. That is why it is much easier to run against the movement of the clock.

Traditions from the past

Another rationale for which way to run around the stadium is that running counterclockwise came to us from the ancient Greeks. At competitions, they used exactly this tactic, arguing this by contrasting nature and sport. That is, natural and artificial development.

This theory was substantiated by the English scientist Norman Douglas, author of the book "History of Europe".

Physiology

Many people think that athletes run counterclockwise because when they turn to the left, blood rushes to the heart. And in large numbers. That's why stadiums run counterclockwise. This makes it more comfortable to move physically.

religious motif

The pagans believed that while running, the movement should be directed towards the sun. Namely - to the god who was worshiped. That is, against the movement of the clock.

The laws of physics

If you studied physics at school, you will understand exactly what we are going to talk about now.

The angular velocity vector is the physical concept that when the movement is to the left, the vector is directed vertically upwards. This means that there is no resistance to movement.

If you run clockwise, then the vector will be directed vertically downwards, which will make it much more difficult for you to run.

Not only running

Did you know that not only runners are moving against the hands of the clock? In the same way are carried out:

• racing at hippodromes;
• motorcycle rides;
• car racing.

The only exception is Formula 1. There, cars move clockwise.

How to run in the stadium?

• First, you need to decide on a goal. Why do you want to start running? To lose weight, stay in good shape, gain muscle mass? Choose which option is right for you. We will now consider normal running. It is suitable for those who would like to strengthen muscles and increase endurance. About running for the purpose of losing weight is written a little later.
• When moving, almost all muscles and joints take part: from the neck to the legs. And if a runner has any muscles poorly warmed up or poorly developed, there is a chance of serious injury. That is why you first need to do a little warm-up for all muscle groups. You'll be ready to start your cardio workout when you feel warm in your muscles.
• In the process of running, you need to keep your head straight, bend your arms at the elbows and relax your shoulders. Also pay attention to the position of the back. It needs to be straightened.
• A person with poor health needs to run, adhering to 110-120 beats per minute.
• People with averages should have 130 beats per minute.
• For a person with a high level of health, the rate of heartbeats when running is determined as follows: subtract your age from 220.
• If the pulse is off scale, take a different pace of running or even switch to walking. Don't forget to rest. If your goal is to run 2 km, go for a walk every 500 m.
• While running, you should not feel pain, tingling or discomfort. Otherwise, you should go to step.
• What should be the breath? If you can talk to a partner, you have chosen the right pace and your running technique is normal.
• We recommend drinking water without gas in small sips while running. Since the body is gradually dehydrated. Take at least 400 ml of water with you to training.
• How often should you go for a run? Ideally, every morning. If you run in the gym, 3-4 times a week will do. The weaker your health, the more often you need to run (at least for 15 minutes).
• If it is difficult for you to run or you get tired quickly, you have chosen the wrong load. Visit a therapist, he will definitely tell you what activity is right for you, following from the indications of health.
• It is also necessary to complete the workout correctly. Never stop abruptly or sit down. It is necessary to cool down, bring the heart rate and breathing back to normal. Walk another three minutes at an accelerated pace, and then switch to a calm step. Do a little stretching. Stretching will help you consolidate the result of cardio training.
• Don't forget to drink water within an hour after finishing your run.
• You can eat an hour after training.
• If you wake up the next day with sore muscles, don't worry - this is a natural process. Visit the sauna, jacuzzi or massage. Take a hot bath. Do stretching exercises or start running again.

Ignorance of these rules can lead to injury or exhaustion of the body. Surely you will leave the race in a week and put the idea of ​​​​jogging aside. Do everything wisely!

Is it best to run in the stadium?

Of course, running there is optional. You can choose any park, sidewalk or forest for this. However, if you like to measure your achievements, then the stadium is ideal for this. On large ones, one circle is 400 m, on school ones - 200 or 250 m.

In addition, the stadium has an even surface. You don't have to step over rocks, grass or any debris. This means that the risk of injury is greatly reduced.

What time of day is best to run?

This is a common question for all beginner athletes. Some people think that it is better to run in the morning. Someone thinks that an evening run will bring more benefits. Let's look at the issue in more detail.

• It is believed that the ideal time for cardio training is from 8 to 11 am.
• This is a great way to recharge your body.
• You will wake up your body and start all the processes in the body.
• Do not start 5 minutes after getting out of bed. Make sure you are fully awake. Drink a glass of water, wash your face, do a little warm-up, and go!
• Breakfast before a run is not recommended. It is recommended to drink fresh juice in 40 minutes.
• If you run at other times, don't run on a full stomach. Have a snack 2 hours before your run.
• Moreover, if you run the planned distance in the morning, you will feel an emotional lift all day. If only because of the realization that they had already completed a useful task before noon.

Of course, if you need to be at work at 8 in the morning, it makes no sense to force your body. Run on the track in the evening in the gym. However, if you have the opportunity, choose morning for cardio.

Running for weight loss

If you want to lose extra pounds, remember the following recommendations:

• Running contributes to weight loss only if its duration is more than half an hour. Also, do not jog, but at a fast pace.
• How many laps should beginners run in the stadium? In the first month, keep a distance of no more than two kilometers. That is, just five laps in a large stadium is enough. Let your muscles and body get used to the stress. After a period of adaptation, you can safely move to a distance of 4 km or more.
• Do not forget that training should be regular. Run at least two to three times a week.
• How to burn more calories? Use interval running: for example, 200 meters you move at maximum speed, then 200 meters go at a fast pace.
• Do not forget that training gives only 20% of the result. The remaining 80% is proper nutrition. Give up fatty, fried, flour, sweet. Prefer food from natural products. It needs to be boiled, baked or steamed.
• The main condition for proper breathing when running for weight loss is inhalation and exhalation through the mouth.
• Jogging in the morning can strengthen the cardiovascular and nervous systems, daytime - muscles, and evening - to reduce weight. Therefore, try to run after school or work, in the late afternoon.

Of course, the rules for regular running, described just above, have also not been canceled in cardio for weight loss. Don't forget to warm up before your run and stretch after it. Drink water, monitor your pulse and general physical condition.

Conclusion

Why they run counterclockwise in stadiums, they found out. In addition, you received practical advice on how to run correctly. Get better and do more sports. Good luck in your endeavors!

If you remember how you ran around the stadium in your school days, or how you looked at the Olympic Games, then you can notice the fact that running in stadiums always runs counterclockwise. Many people in their lives have at least once tried to run clockwise around the stadium, such people are usually looked askance at, and running is so terribly uncomfortable.

Why do the athletes in the stadium run counterclockwise? Most likely, you have never thought about it, but this rule is established by the International Association of Athletics Federations itself! The question of running counterclockwise is incredibly complex and stupid at the same time. Nobody knows the answer there are only theories, among which the most plausible ones are highlighted.

1 theory - Ancient Greek traditions

This theory is one of the most probable. It is based on a simple habit of people, but the Olympic Games originated there, in Ancient Greece! But not everything is so simple, the adherents of this theory are divided into groups, because there are two options for explaining this tradition of the Greeks.

• Option 1 - Contrasting sport and nature. This theory has the right to be considered, since in their eyes sport was opposed to nature, and moving counterclockwise is also a kind of opposition.
• Option 2 - Ease of Time Tracking. This option looks more plausible than the previous one, as it has practical confirmation. It’s just that at that time there was only a sundial, on which the time of the races was recorded, and running counterclockwise is much easier mark the past tense by the shadow on the sundial.

Even some historians wrote about this theory of the origin of running in books, for example, Norman Douglas, so it is one of the most common in the world.

Theory 2 - There are more right-handed people on the planet

In our list, this theory is the second, it is the same in popularity (it can be considered the most popular). This theory answers the question - Why is it so much harder to run clockwise?

Yes, people are used to it, but habits cannot completely fool our brains. Indeed, right-handers push leg is exactly the right one, it is slightly stronger than the left one, which means it is easier to change the direction of movement to the left side.

This does not mean that left-handers cannot do athletics, you just need to work on yourself!

3 theory - Laws of physics

This theory does a much better job of explaining why running counterclockwise is easier, but that doesn't mean it was the reason for this running rule. Many people are very poorly versed in physics, so I will try to state everything briefly and in simple language.

There is such a thing as angular velocity vector, and so, when the movement occurs to the left, this vector is directed vertically upwards, which means that no resistance to movement is created. If the run will take place clockwise, the mentioned vector will also be directed vertically, but only downwards, as a result of which it will be noticeably harder to run.

The bulk of professional athletes and their coaches tend to this theory, because it is she who completely describes the reasons the difficulties of such a run. This is easier to understand for people who remember at least school physics.

Theory 4 - Borrowing from Horse Racing

This theory is also associated with Ancient Greece and the Olympic Games. The fact is that any races took place strictly counterclockwise, and there is a reasonable explanation for this, because the rider beats the horse with a whip, which is always in the right hand(more right-handers), the whip hits the right side of the horse, as a result of which it turns to the left!

Although the theory is supported by the data on reasons for racing rules, very few people believe in it, since these are completely different disciplines, people living in Ancient Greece should have been aware of this.

Today I will tell you an instructive story. Once upon a time, a very beginner runner decided to run in the stadium. She came, looked around, put music in her ears and trotted herself slowly along the path closest to the center. I was very surprised when a fast-running young man of advanced appearance began to try to make some claims - there were plenty of places in the stadium. She didn’t delve into the essence of the raids: the athlete’s tone was clearly aggressive and unpleasant, so she made the music louder and trotted on. It was me 🙂

Now, of course, I am ashamed of that episode. And no, I'm not rude, dumb, or ignoring other trainees for the sake of my own convenience, as that quick young man must have thought.

The problem is that the essentially primitive rules of conduct in stadiums and track and field arenas are not so obvious to an ignorant person. Why they are not hung on billboards at the entrance is a mystery to me. But I suspect that most of the beginners walking along the first track are not at all conscious bastards who interfere with the training process out of spiteful motives, but quite normal people who do not know these secret rules for some reason.

I will try to formulate the main ones. A request to experienced runners: if you have corrections and additions, do not hesitate - I will add everything.

1. They don’t run in headphones at the stadium and in the arena

If on the street the issue of safety (more precisely, insecurity) concerns only you personally, then at the stadium, as a result of a collision, due to the inability to warn you by voice, other people may also suffer. This place is designed for speed training, often with a fairly high density of trainees, some of them running very fast. It doesn’t hurt to be alert here and you definitely shouldn’t turn off external sounds while listening to music.

2. At the stadium and in the arena, they run counterclockwise

This is the standard of the International Association of Athletics Federations. There is also a rationale for this rule: right-handers usually have a better developed right leg, which is jerky when running. Therefore, it is more convenient to turn turns counterclockwise. Whatever it was, but running in the opposite direction is not accepted.

3. The first and second tracks are working and are designed for fast running

Tracks are counted from the center. Sometimes one more track, zero, is highlighted closer to the center, but usually it is marked with a different color. The zero track is intended for warm-up running.

On the first and second track it is not customary to coward, rest, warm up, etc. Finished acceleration - got off the work tracks.

It’s clear that for someone the pace of my accelerations is a recovery jog 🙂 Personally, I am guided by the situation: if I see that there are a lot of fast runners on the first track, then I don’t climb there with my “accelerations” in order to increase my survival and not interfere. If there are few of them, then I calmly do my work - in which case they will overtake in the second.

4. Warm-up run - on the other lanes or on the inner circle in the arena

If you run in the arena to the left of the fast first track, be careful near the turns. For safety, it is better to move away from the first track, because. an athlete going through a fast turn leans towards the center and can hit you.

5. They don’t run in a line at the stadium and in the arena

Girls who want to talk so much that they line up in a row, occupying all the tracks, and at least take off, are especially guilty of this.

6. Exercises for warm-up, cool-down, as well as SBU do not do in a circle

In the stadium, you can use straight lanes, in the arena - the lanes in the center. For a non-running warm-up and cool-down, you can usually find a place outside the lanes.

7. Attention and caution

Everything here is like on the road: before entering the path, make sure that you do not interfere with anyone, when rebuilding - similarly, do not make sudden movements, do not stop suddenly, move predictably, if necessary, cross the paths to let the running ones pass.