What Is Jogging in Place?

Jogging in place is, essentially, exactly what it sounds like. It is when the body and legs are moved in a similar manner as if one is jogging, but without moving from one set point. Jogging in place is not the same thing as running on a treadmill, where it feels to the body as if it is actually going somewhere.
Jogging in one place is an aerobic activity because it does get the heart rate up. It is an effective way to burn calories, lose weight, and increase physical fitness. Despite this, many people do not recommend jogging in place as a regular source of exercise. It uses different muscle groups than true running or jogging, and will typically not prepare anyone for sustained distance running or jogging either outside or on a treadmill.

To get the most benefits from jogging in place, it is necessary to perform the exercise correctly. The way one jogs in place is to lift the knees one at a time, straight up, and as high as possible, similar to jumping. Do not simply stand and kick the feet out behind the legs. If one jogs in place by lifting the knees rapidly, the heart rate will quickly increase, and aerobic benefits will begin. It is helpful to time oneself when exercising, as well as to regularly check the heart rate, both to see where improvements need to be made, and to see progress.



One might jog in place at a stoplight while running outside, for instance. This is a way to ensure the heart rate does not drop while jogging. Of course, one of the main benefits of jogging in place is that the exercise can be performed entirely indoors. This means it is not necessary for the exerciser to acquire much special gear, aside from supportive sneakers and workout clothing. He or she is also able to avoid the elements outside.

It is generally recommended that jogging in place becomes part of an exercise routine that contains other aerobic and strength activities. Jumping rope, dancing, crunches and bicycle crunches, squats, leg lifts, lunges, weight lifting, and even aerobic kickboxing are all exercises that can be performed inside in a relatively limited space. Including jogging in place as part of a varied routine ensures that the entire body is exercised, and it also helps to prevent boredom. Remember to keep the arms moving when jogging in place as well. Other indoor activities may include yoga or Pilates.