I think it's safe to assume that all of us want to be fit. Whether it's because we want to be the best version of ourselves, because we want to be strong, or because we just want to live a healthier lifestyle, staying fit has - thankfully - become a lifestyle choice that more and more people are adhering to. And while going to the gym is certainly the most effective way of staying in shape, going for a run has its benefits as well. In fact, most people who choose to not go to the gym usually rely on their morning or evening runs to stay fit. But running can often seem like a monotonous route (pun intended!) to take, one that can seem pretty basic and mundane. So with that in mind, here are 5 running tips you should adhere to if you want to make it more fun (and safe!) for you.  

1) Use Quality Headphones For Running 

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Just like any other workout, listening to music while you go for a run can actually help energise you. As such, owning a quality pair of wireless headphones and listening to your favourite songs is a great way of pumping yourself up during your runs. When searching for the best Bluetooth headphones for running, you should keep an eye out on ones belonging to premium brands (JBL, Boat and Skullcandy come to mind) that offer a good wireless range and optimum battery life. 

2) Invest In The Right Shoes

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While it may not involve you having to go to a gym, you shouldn't forget that running is a physical exercise. And just like any physical exercise you do, the risk of injury is always there. As such, investing in the best running shoes is mandatory. There are many factors that you should keep in mind before you purchase a pair of running shoes - your weight, the drop of the shoe (which is basically the difference between the forefoot measurements and the heel) and the cushioning that the shoe will provide you. If you make an informed choice, not only do you make running more fun, but you also ensure that you don't get accidently injured. 

3) Switch Things Up A Bit 

It's not for nothing that people say that variety is the spice of life! As such, you can also mix in some cardio exercises in the middle of your runs to break the monotony and make things more fun. For instance, adding a few jumping jacks, butt kicks, squat jumps and jumping lunges to your run can make things less boring. 

4) Take A Walk Or Jog Break

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Nowhere is it written that you should run for 30 minutes straight without taking any breaks whatsoever - after all, you're not Usain Bolt! So it's advisable to take walk/jog breaks while you're running. Not only will doing so ensure that you don't run out of stamina, but it will also help you be gentler on your body.  

5) Don't Do It Alone 

Just like having a gym partner can make working out less mundane, going for your runs with a friend or family member can make them a lot more fun as well. Apart from ensuring that you'll always have a source of motivation right next to you, you can rely on your running partner for some healthy competition as well.