Top Benefits Of Running

The following are the top ten running benefits. From general stress relief, to weight loss, to preventing bone loss, the reasons are truly extraordinary.

As with all exercise, you may not always have the motivation to run, and get your daily exercise. The great part of running is amongst the drawbacks, the benefits that it produces far outweigh the perceived negatives. Whenever you may be having doubts, review this list and remember why we love running so much!

1) Relieve Stress
Stress is the worst. It comes in many forms and can be caused from many sources. Next time you feel overwhelmed, get out and start running. It is guaranteed to help.

When you get outdoors, you naturally feel free. It will allow you to straighten your thoughts, and oftentimes find that solution you were looking for. Sprint workouts are also a great way to work through any anger or frustration you may be feeling.

2) Weight Loss
The act of running has always been a recommended way to lose weight. Unless you have the opportunity to cross country ski, running is your best option to burn unwanted calories during your workout. So whether you are just trying to lose a few inches for summer vacation, or drop 100 pounds, running is a highly effective way to lose weight.

3) Bone Loss Prevention
When you run, your body naturally gets stronger to account for the added stress it endures. If you sit in front of a computer screen for eight hours of your day, your bones are not being stressed, and grow weaker. People who choose to run are taking a stance against this sedentary lifestyle. Get a running routine, and your bones will get stronger!

Benefit of Running 4 – Make Your Heart Healthy
Running is one of the best exercises for your heart. Not only does it reduce the risk of blood clots, it also raises HDL cholesterol levels. Running strengthens your heart, and as a result, lowers blood pressure. It also improves your arteries elasticity because they are constantly expanding and contracting during your run, almost 3 times more than usual.

Running Benefit #5 – Boost Immune System
Running naturally produces more white blood cells (WBCs), which are used to fight disease in the body. It also promotes the use of almost half of your lung capacity that otherwise goes unused.

Benefit of Running 6 – Runners High
Many runners run for that illusive runners high. It is something that keeps them coming back, even amongst the worst weather conditions. It doesn’t matter if you are having a really tough day. Get outside and go for a run. The feeling you get will surely make you feel better. It releases endorphins that cause a feeling of euphoria, and a general sense of happiness.

Believe it or not, running is often recommended for individuals that are dealing with depression or those addicted to a substance. Patients often reported feeling less tension, fatigue, and depression after implementing a routine run into their daily lives.

7) Minimize Disease
Not only has running been reported to reduce your chances of heart attack, breast cancer and stroke, it has also helped people who are at high risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and hypertension.

8) Get Coordinated
Personally, I’m not blessed with stellar coordination – I once sprained my ankle playing miniature golf. Whether or not you realize it, by running you are teaching your muscles to work together, making you that much sharper during your exercise.

If you are an outdoors runner, you are may often be on challenging surfaces, with tree roots, rocks, or uneven pavement. Plus, you naturally improve the ability to control your body over these tough surfaces. You will be stronger on each following run.

Benefit of Running 9 – Improve Your Self Confidence
As you start out your training routine, you may be unsure of your abilities. Trust in yourself and as you start running, you will slowly build your confidence. You will quickly see a change in your overall body strength and ability to exercise for longer periods of time.

Take on these challenges and prove to yourself that you can do it. Your self belief is a key cornerstone for long term exercise and health. If you are seeing your body change, and losing weight as a result of running, a gain in confidence is sure to follow.

Plus, if you are competitive, you will feel a confidence boost after every race, or each time that I beat my own time.

10) You Are An Athlete
The great part of running is you can do it anywhere. No matter where you live, make running a part of your life. Whether you started running at an early age or later in life, running can fill that exercise void in your life. Running is a great choice for those individuals who want to take charge of their health. Start running and become the best you can be.

Running only requires you to get some shoes. It is a cheap way to get some great exercise. And, the best part is that you can do it anywhere. Make the best decision of your life and become a running athlete. You will impress yourself.

Now that you know the benefits of running, there is nothing left to do except head out the door and start running. Get a training schedule and start running today.

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