The benefits of running
So we all know that any form of exercise is going to be good for you in both the short and the long term. But did you know that running is actually one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercises? Not only does it maintain your overall health, but it can also improve your body’s physical appearance quite quickly too if you put the effort in!
Most people know that running is a great form of keeping fit, but if you educate yourself with all of the great benefits it can bring, it means you are more likely to feel motivated to make running a part of your day to day life! OK we promise we won’t go into all of the boring details, but here is a quick run down on the primary benefits you will experience from running regularly!
(Please note that if you suffer from any medical conditions, or drastically change your lifestyle, please ensure you consult your doctor before hand).
Improving your health and well-being
Did you know that health and fitness experts say that running can have a drastic impact on your physical health. One big factor of this is that it raises the levels of good cholesterol production in your body, and it also increases your lung function. As well as this, by running regularly you can boost your immune system and decrease your risk of blood clots!
The potential prevention of disease
Running regularly will lower your blood pressure, helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight and as mentioned previously, it can help reduce bad cholesterol. These are all of the major issues associated with heart disease, so by running you are greatly reducing your risk! And what’s even better is that you don’t need to start off by signing up to a lengthy marathon, you can start off with moderate activity and still see the results! For example, research has found that even taking a brisk walk after eating a meal that is high in fat, can help to reverse the damage that may have been caused to your blood vessels.
Furthermore, running is really effective in tackling diabetes and osteoporosis.
Losing weight
Running is widely considered to be one of the most effective ways of losing excess weight. And it is also great for simply maintaining a healthy weight. You may want to try some interval training if you have the use of a treadmill, as this is considered the optimum way to burn calories.
Relieve that tension!
Stress can be the catalyst to many problems in our lives, from lack of sleep, to appetite, and can also have a big impact on our work and home life.
The reason why running is such a great stress buster, is down to the fact that when you run you are forcing your body to produce the hormones and energy needed to give you a little lift!
It has also been found that running may potentially reduce tension related headaches in certain people.
Be a more confident you!
When you run you will see your ability improve over the weeks, and this in itself is a great confidence booster! You are reaching your targets and getting much stronger.
Your body is also producing those happy hormones which means you can’t help but feel a spring in your step!
Ward off depression
Most of us will know that when you feel a little down, the last thing you want to do is get out and about. However, once you take that step and go for that much needed run, you will find that your mood will be naturally improved. You will work out that pent up stress, get some fresh air, burn some energy, and get yourself some more of those ‘happy hormones’.
So now that you know some of the major benefits of running, we hope that you feel motivated and ready to create an exercise plan! Schedule a short run in the morning before work, or in the evening. It doesn't matter when you do it, just make sure it works for you!
