There are plenty of reasons to start running, and even more benefits to keep you motivated. In this blog post, we will discuss 17 amazing benefits of running that will keep you coming back for more! Running is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and maintain a healthy weight. It also has some incredible benefits for your mental health, such as reducing stress and boosting self confidence. And if that’s not enough, running can also add years to your life! So what are you waiting for? Start running today!
What Do I Need To Know About Running?
Before we dive into the benefits of running, let’s go over a few basics for new runners. First, you don’t need to be a marathon runner to reap the benefits of running. Every fitness level can run. Even just a few minutes of running each day can make a difference. Second, you don’t need any special equipment to start running. All you need is a good pair of shoes and some comfortable clothes. Finally, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you start running, such as staying hydrated and listening to your body. And don’t ever forget a running plan or training plans of any kind of sport, otherwise you are too stressed. With that said, let’s get into the benefits!
What Are The 17 Benefits of Running?
Now that you’ve read the basic information above, you are ready for the amazing benefits of running:
- helps build strong bones
- strengthen muscles
- improves cardiovascular fitness
- causes weight loss
- helps maintain a healthy weight
- reduces stress
- running boosts confidence
- improves your mood
- running is social
- running adds years to your life
- running causes better sleep quality
- improves your upper body
- improves your immunity
- reduces risk of cancer
- running reduces depression
- lowers your blood pressure
- running improves glucose regulation
Helps Build Strong Bones
When you run, your feet strike the ground with a force that is two to three times your body weight. This impact stimulates bone-building cells called osteoblasts, which help to maintain bone density. This is especially important as you age, when bones tend to become thinner and more fragile. Running can also help to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and more likely to break.
Strengthen Muscles
Running strengthens muscles by helping the body to build and repair muscle tissue. When you run, your muscles are put through a range of motions that can help to improve their strength and flexibility. This can in turn lead to improved performance and reduced risk of injury.
In addition, running can help to improve the strength of your bones. This is because the impact of running helps to stimulate the production of new bone cells. This can help to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as osteoporosis.
Of course strength training is way better than running but some people just don’t want to go to the gym, so they run!
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Running is a great cardiovascular exercise to improve your health. When you run, your heart works harder to pump more blood throughout your body. This helps to strengthen your heart muscles and improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, running can help to improve your blood glucose regulation. These benefits can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your heart health, start leisure time running!
Burns Plenty of Calories
If you’re looking to burn fat or maintain a healthy weight, running is a great option. In fact, running is one of the most efficient ways that burns calories. A 155-pound person can burn approximately 300 calories by running for just 30 minutes. And the more you run, the more calories you’ll burn. So if you’re looking to torch some serious calories, start logging those miles. Who knows, you might just get addicted to the runner’s high. Before you know it, you’ll be running marathons.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
In addition to burning calories, running can also help to maintain a healthy weight. This is because running helps to build muscle, and muscle burns more calories than fat. Therefore, by running regularly, you can help to keep your weight in check. Additionally, running can also help to reduce your risk of developing obesity, as well as other weight-related health issues such as type II diabetes.
Reduces Stress
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress. Running can be a great way to do this. When you run, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. In fact, one study found that 30 minutes of running was just as effective as a 45-minute yoga session at reducing stress.
So, if you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, consider going for a run. You may find that it does wonders for your mental healths.
Running Boosts Confidence
One of the benefits of running is that it can help to boost your confidence. If you feel like you’re always stuck in a rut, or you’re lacking in confidence, then going for a run can really help to change your mindset. When you see yourself improving and becoming stronger, it can give you a real sense of achievement and make you feel more confident in yourself. If you’re looking to boost your confidence, then getting out for a run is definitely worth considering!
Improves Your Mood
We all know that endorphins are responsible for that post-run high. But did you know that running can also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression? According to a study published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, running is an effective form of treatment for both anxiety and depression. In fact, it can be just as effective as medication. So if you’re feeling down, go in the fresh air and run. It just might make you feel better.
Running Is Social
Running is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. Joining running clubs or running groups is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Running can also be a great way to catch up with old friends. Going for a run with a friend is a great way to catch up on each other’s lives.
Running Adds Years To Your Life
Running has so many benefits for your overall health, it’s no wonder that the research shows that it can help you live a longer life. One large-scale study followed over 500,000 people for over a decade and found that runners had a 27% lower risk of death from all causes than non-runners.
And it’s not just that runners tend to be healthier overall, but running itself has been shown to have benefits for longevity. For example, one study found that running just 20 minutes a day increased lifespan by three years.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some extra years to your life, start running today!
Helps You Sleep Better
Running causes a high quality sleep in several ways. First, it tires you out so you fall asleep more easily. Second, it regulates your body temperature, which can improve sleep. Third, it releases endorphins, which have a calming effect. Finally, running gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence, both of which can help you sleep better. All of these benefits add up to a good night’s sleep, which is essential for both your physical and mental health. The more physical activity, the more better for your physical health. So if you’re having trouble sleeping, go for a run!
Improves Your Upper Body
Running is a great way to improve the health of your knees and back and avoid knee pain. The impact of running on these joints helps to keep them strong and healthy. Additionally, the low-impact nature of running is gentle on your joints, making it an ideal exercise for those with hip and knee arthritis or other joint problems. As you strengthen the muscles around your knees and back, you’ll also be less likely to experience pain in these areas.
This Aerobic Exercise Improves Your Immunity
When you run, your body releases endorphins and other amazing hormones that have been shown to improve immunity. In fact, one study showed that runners had fewer sick days than sedentary people. So, if you’re looking to avoid getting sick this season, go for a run! You’ll be doing your body a favor. Thanks, hormones 🙂
Running Reduces Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its incidence is on the rise. Regular exercise (like running or total body workout) has been shown to reduce the risk of some types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. In fact, one study found that running just five minutes a day could reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer by 50%. Other studies have shown that running can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 40%. So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce your cancer risk, start running!
There are several mechanisms by which running reduces the risk of cancer. First, exercise lowers levels of inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a known risk factor for cancer, so by reducing inflammation, exercise reduces cancer risk. Additionally, exercise has been shown to boost the immune system, which helps the body fight off cancer cells. Finally, running (and other forms of exercise like vigorous exercise) helps to regulate hormones like estrogen, which can reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers like breast cancer.
Running Reduces Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life. While there are many different treatments available, exercises like running has been shown to be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of depression. In fact, research published that running can be as effective as medication for treating depression.
Running Lowers Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem today. It’s often caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating processed foods and being inactive. Running is a great way to lower your blood pressures. Studies have shown that running can decrease systolic blood pressure by up to four points and diastolic blood pressure by up to three points. So if you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, make sure to include running in your workout routine.
Running Improves Glucose Regulation
Exercise like running has been shown to be effective at improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When insulin sensitivity is improved, blood sugar levels are better regulated. This is important for people with diabetes, as well as those who are at risk for developing diabetes. Running can also help to reduce blood sugar levels in people who do not have diabetes. In one study, non-diabetic adults who ran for 30 minutes a day for three months had lower blood sugar levels than those who did not run. Running can also help to keep blood sugar levels stable in people who have diabetes. In one study a exercise physiologist said, diabetic adults who ran for 30 minutes a day for three months had more stable blood sugar levels than those who did not run.
Final Words
There you have it, run lovers! The 17 amazing health benefits from running for well being. I feel like a certified running coach, hahaha!
So what are you waiting for? Go buy the best neutral running shoes! Especially for active marathon runners, I recommend these running shoes!
Let us know in the comments below, which benefit is your favorite and if these benefits shown up in your body!
