What are the Benefits of Running? 6 Reasons Why You Should Start Running TODAY!

What are the benefits of running?

Well:

Running is the cornerstone of exercise; a workout that will never slip off the radar of fitness.

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So what is it about running that makes it so special?

Not every runner will be able to tell you exactly what it is about running that’s so great, so I’ll break it down for you.

Here are 6 reasons why you should start running TODAY.

What are the Benefits of Running? 6 Science Proved Facts About Running

You might already have read my ultimate beginner’s guide to cardio exercise – and your body and brain are eager to get to it?

In that case:

Start running tomorrow and reap the fruits of these amazing benefits:

Prevent Disease With Regular Runs

The evidence is conclusive: running helps prevent disease.

Here are just a few of the ways in which it does this:

  • Heart disease: Running regularly evidently improves your heart health, lowering your blood pressure and the risk of disease. Non-runners are twice as likely to die from heart disease.
  • Diabetes: Running assists the lowering of your blood sugar level, and your risk of suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
  • Obesity: Control your weight and boost your metabolism, countering obesity.
  • Arthritis: Running can reduce joint pain and stiffness while increasing muscle mass around joints.

Running Makes You Feel Good!

Any runner will tell you that exercise just makes you feel good. As you run, endorphins and endocannabinoids are released into your brain, elevating your mood, making you feel more alert and happier.

This is widely recognized and is known as “runner’s high”, and continues even after you finish your run.

Here’s a quick “fun fact” about runners high..:

The endocannabinoids actually have an impact similar to cannabis on your body… No wonder you feel high?

In fact, few things have been found to be as effective in treating depression as running:

Depression involves low levels of endorphins such as serotonin- many of which are boosted during and after a run. In this sense, running can help counter the chemical imbalance brought about by mild or moderate cases of depression.

Aside from the chemical benefits, running brings a sense of achievement, no matter how long or short. Completing a physical challenge like a run can be great for boosting self-esteem and confidence.

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Run Yourself To Better Shape!

Whether for weight loss or staying in shape, running is highly effective.

The science behind weight loss is simple:

To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you intake, and given the average runner burns around 700 calories per hour, running is an excellent way to achieve this.

Staying in shape is also a simple equation; once you have reached your ideal weight, you must maintain this energy budget, and running is an effective method. Run time can easily be modified around the parameters of your energy budget.

Running Helps Your Brain Stay Sharp

People talk about “losing their marbles” as they age- turns out the phrase “use it or lose it” doesn’t just apply to your body.

There is a scientifically proven link between the body and the mind- regular exercise is proven to slow mental decline.

Studies have consistently found among older adults that regular exercises scored higher in mental testing. Tests included memory, thinking and judgment problems, and more.

Running can bring all the benefits of a healthy body, INCLUDING an enhanced mind – even into old age.

Regular Running Could Prolong Your Life

Aside from the reduced risk of disease, it’s undisputed that exercise makes you live longer, and running just might be the most effective.

The Cooper Institute found that just two hours of running a week will likely increase your life expectancy by 3.2 years, regardless of lifestyle. According to the findings of the study, even smokers that ran would live 3 years longer than a non-runner.

“Two hours of running per week at any speed or mileage can increase your lifespan by three years.”

Two hours of running per week at any speed or mileage can increase your lifespan by three years.

Reference: medicaldaily.com – Life Expectancy In Runners Vs. Non-Runners

Running Strengthens Your Joints

The commonly held belief that running is bad for your joints is a myth.

Several studies have highlighted this fact; with runners experiencing half as many cases of knee osteoarthritis as walkers. Running places indeed stress on your joints; however, this process actually strengthens them.

No kidding!

Your bones and cartilage spring back during this action, building resilience in doing so.

What Are the Benefits of Doing a 30 Minutes Run a Day?

By running for 30 minutes a day, you will enjoy a long range of benefits. Doing daily physical activities like running – even for only 30 minutes a day, have a great positive impact on your body, health, and mind.

Dependent on the intensity and your physical abilities the results from 30 minutes daily run will range from better mood and staying fit – to fighting high blood pressure, and having a positive impact on your cardiovascular health.

Hey!

30 minutes daily running can actually help you live longer – and might just be what your doctor ordered!

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Is it Bad to Run Everyday?

It depends:

If you vary both the intensity and surface you run on – running every day can have a positive effect on your body and mind. On the other hand, if you do HIIT runs on asphalt every day, chances are injuries like back, ankle, or knee pain are straight around the corner.

To reduce the risk of injury, and maximize your results, try to mix up your physical activity. Activities like walking, strength training, calisthenics are excellent forms of exercise to incorporate into your program.

For long-term results, make sure to regularly make changes to your workout regimen. And, if you feel pain – listen to your body!

Consult with your doctor if you have questions regarding your current fitness level or if you need medical advice prior to starting your running regime.

What is a Good Workout for Running?

There are several ways to make running a good workout. You can do stair runs, hill runs, trail running or even treadmill running.

I like my runs to be short and effective, ranging from 20-30 minutes per session – while many people prefer their runs to last for hours.

If you are new to running, here is a good workout to start out with:

Want to step it up a level? Why not try out HIIT (high-intensity interval training). Find out what makes HIIT an excellent way to do cardio by reading; Are HIIT Workouts Good For You?

Running Form: Technique and Beginner Tips to Run Faster

Why You Should Start Running: Statistics and Facts

Jog Your Way to Better Health

From Visually.

Final Words: The Health Benefits of Running. Now You Know…

These are just some of the health benefits you can reap from regular running:

  • Reduced blood pressure and healthy heart rate
  • You are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease
  • Better weight control
  • Running can improve your mood
  • And more!

The list of benefits is seemingly never-ending, and it is growing every day. Running improves your physical abilities, but it also makes you feel good!

If you like the sound of getting in shape and having a longer, happier life – then lace up those running shoes and get running!

If you prefer other types of aerobic exercise to stay in shape, be sure to check out my LARGE resource of cardio workouts and exercises, packed with content tailored to help people like yourself get in shape!

See you there!

** If you are looking for a coaching service to help you out with your running Janet Hamilton and the people over at runningstrong.com offer amazing online coaching to take your running to the next level. You should definitely go check it out!

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