TV fitness expert and BBC radio presenter Nana Akua outlines the benefits of group running

Running is like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. But if you’ve never given it a go, it’s a great way of building cardiovascular fitness and endurance running is a great way of burning fat. In fact, running burns more calories than any other mainstream exercise. So where do you begin?

In search of a good running club with a strong community ethos, I came across this nugget: Tring Running Club. Known for it’s annual Midsummer Fun Run and Ridgeway Run, the club is ideal for new runners or people who want to get back to fitness or running – its six week courses aim to get people of all ages ready for a 5km race at the end. You can find more more details at the website tringrunningclub.org

If a club is not your scene and you are near Hemel Hempstead, then join Tom Hallett who coaches sessions for runners of all abilities, from experienced marathoners and ultr-amarathoners to people who have just taken up running and are working towards their first race. It is predominantly a social group and everybody is welcome. Consisting of running drills, interval training, circuits and running-specific exercise, the sessions cost £3 and take place on Mondays at 8pm at Jarman Park running track.

Trainer Tip

Wear a good pair of running shoes that suit your foot type to reduce risk of injury.