Lets face it we all have a love hate relationship with running (some of us more than others). However, running proves to be a great way to exercise that has many benefits. Running helps you mentally and physically and after a rough day, a run just may be the way to relieve your stress! (Or if you have time in the morning it's a great way to wake yourself up and get ready to take on the day!). Also, running is an exercise anyone can do anywhere so it's convenient and easy to get done. I realize that not everyone is thrilled to go out for a 5 mile run, but even running 20-30 minutes a day can really be beneficial to your health and mental attitude. Here's how:
1. Fitness
Running helps you get in shape and is one of the easiest ways to achieve your ideal body weight. Not only does it help with your outside appearance, but it also helps with your bodily functions. Also, running is the base of many sports so once you are in shape you are capable of being a more competitive player. Or you can take part in many other adventurous activities (hiking, rock climbing, ect.) with your new found endurance!
2. Health Benefits
Studies have shown that running can help prevent obesity, high blood pressure, some cancers and other risks. While running is not a cure, it is an easy way to exercise that shows the best results for preventing these ailments. Running helps maintain the elasticity of your arteries which reduces your risk for a heart attack or stroke.
3. FOOD!
On average you burn 500 calories by running for 30 minutes. If you constantly run during the week you can eat more food (including my favorite, CARBS) without feeling guilty. By far this is my favorite benefit of running because I know after a long run I can eat much more than the suggested 2,000 calories a day to make up for the calories I burned. Bring on the pasta!
4. Helps you live longer
Unlike the chocolate in Spongebob, running can actually prolong your life! Your muscles and bones grow stronger by maintaining this physical activity and you are less likely to have weak muscles or osteoporosis as you age. Researchers say non-smokers who run for around 30 minutes each day, five times a week live three years longer than the average person.
5. Positive Attitude!
Running is proved to enhance your mood. After a hard workout or run I always feel accomplished and less stressed. On a run I am able to clear my thoughts and release all my worries.While running you release hormones, endocannabinoids and endorphins, that can even improve the mood of someone with depression (and sometimes it works better than anti-depressant medication). This is commonly known as the runners high because the endorphins released create a sense of euphoria. So while you may dread tying up those laces and thinking of the miles ahead of you, you will feel great at the end of the run.
Sources: http://www.runnersworld.com/health/6-ways-running-improves-your-health?page=single
http://www.therunnersguide.com/benefitsofrunning/
People do not realize that even though running may only prolong life for three years it improves the quality of life tremendously as we age. Quality of life is just as if not more important that the amount of years we live.
ReplyDeleteYour 5th point is always my favorite part about going for a run. Whether it's just getting outside or clearing my head, I am always least stressed after a good run. Also, you literally need a pair of shoes to run; you don't need a gym membership or this equipment or whatever else to stay healthy and feel good about yourself. You can also push yourself to your own limit and that's another great benefit!
ReplyDeleteI did cross country for three years during high school, and from experience I found it was really hard to be upset while running. After practice, whatever problems I had been having before always seemed much more manageable. Peace of mind is definitely important to have and running can really help with that, plus being able eat anything is awesome.
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