High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become one of the hottest trends in fitness in recent years. Countless books and guides have been published on this dynamic workout, and many gyms and personal trainers offer it.

Running is one of the easiest and cheapest sports to get into. In theory, you can just throw on an old pair of trainers and off you go.

Working towards a personal best with your running There are few experiences more satisfying than crossing a finishing line and realising you’ve achieved your fastest-ever time. Experienced runners know that to improve a personal best run time is not just about luck.

Running’s convenience and affordability are just two of the reasons it’s such a popular form of aerobic exercise. From jogging in the park for fun to training for a marathon, running provides an effective way to keep both your body and mind healthy.

Building up running stamina is a process that requires you to develop a solid foundation upon which you can train for a specific goal or race. By building a base for running, you increase blood volume, improve glycogen storage and develop stronger connective tissue.

Running is more than simply exercise to improve cardiovascular health. For many, it is an alignment between body and mind, a meditative experience that can help you think more clearly, boost natural endorphins and even sleep better.

Being concerned about running’s impact on joints is completely understandable. Whether you’ve experienced some niggles in your own knees or have heard from other runners about their ankle or foot injuries, it’s always smart to take care of yourself.

Overtraining syndrome is a condition which can affect anyone – from pro athletes to people who have only just started working out. There are many different overtraining symptoms and it’s a condition which is sometimes hard to pin down.

Being able to maintain speed through a run is a clear sign of an experienced and confident runner. If you find that your running speed seems to dip down, then jump up over the course of your regular training – or even during a race.

One of the greatest challenges for many runners, both beginners and those who have been running for some time, is learning how to get out of their comfort zone and increase their running distance. After an initial period of rapid progress during the first weeks and months, many beginners tend to plateau.

At one time or another, all runners experience a plateau, and no matter how hard or far they run, they don’t see the sort of progress they want to make. If that sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Running uphill is a serious challenge. Not only is gravity going against you, you’ll also be using muscles you use less often and feeling a real burn.

There’s nothing more frustrating for a runner than getting injured, whether it’s a twisted ankle, a bone fracture, a foot muscle condition or something else. Getting back into running after an injury is annoying, but it’s worth taking your time and making sure you’re fully recovered – you don’t want to start running again too soon and make the injury worse.

No matter how much you might like the look of a particular shoe, finding the correct running shoe for you should involve much more than just making an aesthetic decision. The best running shoes will carry you many a mile, uphill and down, in all types of weather, so it’s essential you get it right.

Head to any running store or browse online and the range of choice available can feel overwhelming! With all the styles and shapes of running shoes available, it can be confusing for new runners to know where and how to get started.