Thinking of kicking your walking routine up a notch with jogging? You should! It's a great way to burn even more calories and reap additional cardiovascular benefits at the same time! But remember, the key to success — and to avoiding injuries — is starting off on the right foot! The experts at The American Physical Therapy Association offer these tips for new joggers:

• Alternate the pace. Gradually go between jogging and walking until you build up your endurance, rather than suddenly converting to jogging only!
  
• Do the talk test. If you can't carry on a conversation while you jog, you're pushing yourself too hard. Slow down!
  
• Look for give! For the sake of your joints, choose dirt, a rubberized track, or a similar soft surface over asphalt and concrete.
  
• Watch your feet. Keep an eye out for injury-prone obstacles like logs, rocks, and holes in your path. Be careful!