Running is a common form of exercise, but most just think of its effects on your stamina and physical fitness. However, it also carries many other health benefits, including preventing hypertension, diabetes, stroke, bone and muscle loss and weight gain. It can also enhance the growth hormone, give you a more youthful appearance, lower cholesterol, enhance your mood, reduce stress and prevent blood clots. Some studies show that running is particular beneficial for women, and may even reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Some of these health benefits have always enthralled people in various parts of the world, and running is considered one of the most enjoyable and effective exercises. Not only that, it is easy for many age groups to do without needing any additional equipment.
As established, running boosts both physical and mental health, which is why it’s a preferred exercise for many. You can also walk or jog, which are helpful in their own way.
Goal Setting for Running
You need to think about what you really want to achieve from jogging or running. Some issues to consider may include:
- Competition: Various running clubs may offer competitive events, and most have sessions that are designed for beginners up to advanced runners.
- Companionship: You may want to consider running with friends or join a local club of runners.
- Weight loss: To supplement your running, adjust your diet to include a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy, wholegrain cereals and lean meats. Cut back on dietary fats, sugar, soft drinks and takeaway foods.
- General fitness: Mix running with some other form of exercise to maximize the overall benefits.
- Getting fit: If you are a beginner, you should start with a brisk walk, then proceed to jogging, then runnings. This may take a few months. Always remember to stretch before and after to avoid injuries.
Health Benefits of Running
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of running:
Aids in stress and mood development.
Running is not just a physical exercise; it also plays an important role in building good mental health. Those suffering from depression, stress and various mood disorders are advised to follow a regular exercise routine. Running may be the easiest one to follow.
Helps boost immunity.
Running strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and diseases. Regular runners are thought to have better immunity than those who are less active.
Helps reduce blood clotting.
Running lowers the risk of blood clots and reduces injuries when practiced safely. Good physical fitness can help your body recover much more quickly from wounds and injuries.
Helps balance cholesterol levels.
Running is a good exercise to control cholesterol, thus helping control a number of cardiac conditions. It also helps maintain overall heart function.
Helps lower hypertension.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, may be reduced by following a regular running routine. In fact, running helps divert many factors responsible for high blood pressure.
Helps in managing diabetes.
Running helps maintain a balanced amount of sugar and carbs in the blood. This means that it is essential in preventing diseases like diabetes.
Good for the heart.
Running keeps our muscular system in optimal condition and boosts our mental health, making it a perfect way to prevent heart attacks and strokes. This is one of the best health benefits of running.
Helps improve hormone growth.
Running is beneficial in enhancing growth hormones in the body. This means it has the potential to increase your height and weight.
Promotes healthy muscles and bones.
Running helps reduce bone and muscle loss. These are common conditions which happen for a lot of reasons, but running is a great exercise to prevent them.
