Tips for Making Your Summer Runs More Comfortable

When the summer temperatures start to climb, skipping the run you had planned for the day might sound tempting. But you don’t have to miss out on all the benefits of a great cardio session. In spite of the summer heat, you can continue to enjoy your regular running routine and feel the rush of churning out the miles. While a few variables might impact your schedule and your body’s needs, you can make some practical changes to ensure running remains a safe and enjoyable activity year-round.

Run Early in the Day

Waking up early for a run is a great way to avoid the heat of the day. Some areas even stay cool throughout the early afternoon during the summer, so make the most of the cooler temperatures to get the best run in. If certain joints feel uncomfortable earlier in the morning when you’re not quite warmed up at the start of a run, you can use knee compression sleeves for gentle compression, weight distribution, and stability. The gentle pressure may be able to alleviate some discomfort for a more enjoyable morning run.

Wear Running Shoes

Stable shoes with a flexible, supportive sole are best for running. Your shoes may also have a specific tread, depending on whether you prefer running on the road or on trails. Choose running shoes that are breathable, lightweight, and grip the terrain where you run for a cardio session that is safe for your feet and knees. The right running shoes can help reduce the impact on your knees with each stride. A sleeve or a knee strap may also help if you’re looking for even more support.

Invest in Knee Support

Your comfort level is paramount to an enjoyable run or cardio exercise. If you experience discomfort in your knees, ankles, or other joints, make an appointment with a medical professional to discuss the knee brace options they recommend for running. Different knee braces offer various levels of support. If you need mild support and stability, a sleeve may be sufficient. If you need moderate support, a knee brace with adjustable straps and hinge technology may be your best option. You could also try a strap or use post-run cools downs and cool wraps for recovery. Care for your knees, and they can keep you going mile after mile.

Do Cross-Training Exercises

Running isn’t the only exercise you can do, even as a runner. You can do cross-training exercises to support your body and target different muscle groups. Strength training and flexibility exercises are perfect complements for running, helping you build muscle and stay limber. You could even take a weekly yoga class to do both. A standard yoga class can help you learn new strength-building and mobility strategies that might just make running easier on your joints too. Plus, you can easily find classes held indoors, where it’s air-conditioned—perfect for summer.

Learn About Common Running Injuries

Increasing your knowledge of common running injuries, how they occur, and the proper knee running support can help reduce your risk of developing overuse and instability injuries. Learning about different parts of your legs, back, and shoulders can be especially beneficial for running. While most of the areas of concern can be found in the muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments of your legs, you can also experience soreness or discomfort in your back and shoulders if you’re new to running and are still getting used to keeping these muscles relaxed.

Running is a great summer exercise, but certain aspects of the season can hinder your running regime. If you become injured or feel enough discomfort that it causes you to skip your cardio sessions, speak to a medical professional. Their recommendations are your best source for enjoying running during the summer.

About DonJoy®

Top athletes, team trainers, and fitness enthusiasts of all kinds turn to DonJoy® for high-quality sports bracing options they can trust. For support during practices, games, training sessions, and workouts, DonJoy designs and develops a versatile selection of medically recommended arm, shoulder, elbow, knee, back, and leg braces. Whether you’re training for an upcoming race, upgrading your support strategy mid-season, or preparing for preseason football camp, you need bracing options that offer optimal weight distribution and stability. As a brand founded by a professional football player, DonJoy knows how to keep you in the game. They see where athletes need the most support and deliver comfortable, effective, and targeted solutions. With products designed to help protect, maintain, and rehabilitate your body, you can strive for peak performance.

Discover how to support your body with sports braces for running at https://www.donjoystore.com/

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