Runners always seem like they’re on top of the world—powering through the streets with strength, agility, and grace. It’s a thing of beauty, really. It’s also incredibly intimidating for those of us who’ve spent more time sitting on the pavement than pounding it. But spring has sprung, your New Year’s resolutions have probably fizzled (guilty), and swimsuit season is only a few short months away—basically it’s the perfect time to tap into your inner track star.
To help you get started, we talked to celeb trainer Patrick Murphy—he’s worked with everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Olivia Wilde. Murphy assured us that not only is running a “super-mood booster,” but it’s also one of the most efficient calorie-burners you can find. Sold! “The downside? If you aren’t properly prepared with the correct mechanics and gear, running can be quite unforgiving on the body,” Murphy says. To make sure you start off on the right foot, Murphy shared his five most important tips for novice runners. “Some might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many beginners overlook these simple steps,” he says.
Scroll through to see what they are!