"You should never go running if you can't do this exercise": a physical therapist's advice for runners

Fortunately, leading a healthy lifestyle is more fashionable than ever. Running is the most popular activity, due to its simplicity and accessibility. But not everyone can or should do it.

This is what a British physiotherapist and TikToker maintains, who, in a video posted on the Chinese short-video social network, recommends a test before going out for a run to find out if you are eligible.

The physio, who is called Ben and posts on the account @ben.physioandrehab , says: "I hate to break it to you but... if you can't do this exercise without pain, then you shouldn't be running (from a physiotherapist)."

It consists of jumping constantly, first on one leg and then using only the other, to see if such movements cause discomfort in the legs.

"If you can't do this exercise without pain, you likely have an overuse injury. The most common injuries are shin splints, runner's knee , stress fractures, and Achilles tendinopathy," the physical therapist adds in the video.

His final piece of advice for aspiring runners is clear and urgent: "Stop running and start your rehabilitation journey!"