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Fitness trends may come and go, but running is here to stay! Hitting the road for exercise is a simple way to get your heart-pumping and tone your overall body. After all, running doesn't require a pricey gym membership – all you need is a good pair of sneakers and apparel (decent weather - a plus) and you're off and running.

Heidi Klum, Reese Witherspoon, Josh Duhamel, and Fergie are just a few of the celebrities who have a huge passion for running and are often spotted out for a jog in their neighborhood. If you're looking for a new exercise routine in 2012, why not give running a go – it's been a favorite form of exercise for years. "It is hard to come up with a good excuse for missing your run. In terms of fitness benefits, running is a fundamental exercise that builds core strength and aerobic endurance, while burning calories and trimming excess fat. Running conditions your body to better perform than almost any other sport or fitness activity," reveals Carson Caprara, a product line manager at Brooks.

The most important gear to invest in is running shoes. "There are hundreds of shoes to chose from, and likely only a handful that will work perfectly for your individual needs. As a result, I can't stress enough the importance of having an expert look at your foot type and recommend a selection of shoes that are designed for you. Once you have narrowed it down to a couple of shoes, base your selection on the shoe that feels most comfortable on your foot. You should not feel any major pressure points or immediate irritation," adds Carson.

So, if you're thinking of finding your soulmate in 2012 – the experts at Brooks share with Healthy Hollywood 3 basic tips to get you started.

1. It all starts with proper equipment. It is important to find a pair of running shoes that work efficiently with your foot mechanics and provide an enjoyable running experience that keeps you excited to get back on the road for your next run. There are many great retail stores around the country that can provide a basic foot analysis and provide a recommendation for the proper footwear for you.
2. Start Slow! The fastest route to a running injury comes from attempting too much, too soon. If this is your first time running, start with a walk/jog routine and progressively reduce the amount of walk time until you can run 3 miles or more at once. It is also a good rule of thumb to not increase your running mileage by more than 15% per week. Listen to your body; if you feel overly fatigued take an extra day off before your next run.
3. Stretch and add core strength exercise to your routine. Stretch for a minimum of 5 minutes before and after your run. This will help speed recovery, reduce the risk of injury, and improve overall performance. It is also a good idea to add push-ups, sit-ups and other core strength exercises to your weekly regimen.

For more information on running shoes, head to www.brooksrunning.com