9 Factual Benefits From Running Revealed
If you are not a natural runner and are considering whether you should give it a try, or as many people do, have a marathon on your bucket to-do list and you need a little incentive, there are a vast number of benefits that you get from running. Not only do you get the runner’s euphoric high that just makes you feel good, but there are also other health benefits you reap.
#1 Running helps to enhance your overall well-being
Running has benefits for your entire body. Research has shown that running is an excellent way to raise your levels of good cholesterol to balance out the bad. It also works by increasing the way that your lungs function. When your lungs work better, that helps to boost your immune system, and it also lowers your risk for blood clots.
#2 Running can help you lose weight
Running is an activity that burns a significant amount of calories. It is second only to cross-country skiing regarding calories burned per minute. If you are trying to lose weight, running might be your secret weapon. Because weight loss is an equation of calories in versus calories out, running may be your ticket to slimming down.
#3 Running decreases your risk for certain diseases
Women who run frequently lower their risk of breast cancer. Running also may help to reduce your risk of having a stroke. Science has proven that running is an excellent exercise to introduce in the early stages of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also reduces your risk of the number one killer in America, heart disease.
A study released in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that running daily, as little as five minutes, might be the key to adding years to your lifespan.
#4 Running is a great confidence booster
A lot of the benefit that comes from running is to the psyche. Running is a fantastic way of setting a goal for yourself and following through. If you can make it to the end of your run, it produces a sense of accomplishment that makes you feel better about you. Making it across the finish line, no matter how long the race is, makes you feel empowered.
#5 Running reduces anxiety and stress
When you head out running, it is nothing but you and your running shoes. Running helps to reduce the stress and anxiety that you encounter day to day. It can also help to improve your sleep quality, which aids in rejuvenating the brain from a stressful day. And, it helps to regulate your hormones and aids in keeping tension headaches at bay.
Study results released in Clinical Psychology Review by Peter Salmon concluded that running alters the way that the brain responds to stress. Because it increases neurotransmitters in the brain like norepinephrine and serotonin, it causes the brain to regenerate at a faster rate.
#6 Running fights depression
Running is a fantastic mood enhancer. When you run, the hormones released like serotonin help to fight against depression and lighten your mood. Studies have shown that running works better than any other pharmaceutical means of controlling depression, and it has none of the side effects.
#7 Running increases your bone density
When you put stress on your bones, like the pounding that you do when you are out running, it makes them stronger. When running, essential minerals are released to help make your bones stronger. Over time, that can do a lot to help fight against osteoporosis and bone loss in older age.
#8 Running strengthens your joints
The amount of stress that you put on your ligaments and joints forces them to react and strengthen. That is why the more mileage you run and over uneven surfaces; the stronger your joints will become. That makes running an excellent way to prevent joint injuries and problems with joint stability. Although running is commonly blamed erroneously for knee injuries, a study involving over 2500 participants followed for eight years, concluded that those who ran, experienced less knee pain than those who did not.
#9 Running can help to fight dementia and cognitive decline
Aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging, and running helps to improve a person’s working memory and focus. That is true for both young children and older individuals and every age in between.
If you are wondering if running is for you, there is clear evidence that it is for everyone looking to make a positive change to their body and mind. To stay on track and reach your goals, find the perfect race event at World Marathons, commit by pre-registering, and get running. You won’t be disappointed by how much better you will feel!
