5 May 2020

Benefits of…running

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Running is a popular form of physical activity. It doesn’t cost a lot and you can run anywhere and anytime that suits you. Running is a great way to get into shape. It can benefit almost every part of your body and it even has the power to lift your mood. All you need is some pavement and the motivation to get out and give it a go!

Here are some benefits of getting into running:

Improves your health

Running is a great way to increase your overall level of health. Running can raise your levels of good cholesterol whilst also helping you increase lung function. Running can also boost your immune system and lower your risk of developing blood clots.

Prevents disease

Many doctors today recommend running for people who are in the early stages of diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, and it is proven to help reduce the risk of having a heart attack. By helping the arteries retain their elasticity and strengthening the heart, your chances of suffering a heart attack can be significantly reduced.

Builds bone strength and mass

Running can help slow the aging process related to bone loss as running is a weight-bearing exercise. It has the potential to build and repair bone strength and strengthen the muscles attached to these bones in your lower body. Running can make weak areas stronger. It can increase mobility in joints, like the ankle, that tend to get stiff from not moving enough.

Helps maintain or lose weight

Running is one of the best forms of exercise for losing or maintaining a consistent weight. You will find that it is one of the best ways to burn off extra calories and it’s the second most effective exercise in terms of calories burned per minute, after cross-country skiing.

Boosts your confidence

Running can provide a boost to your confidence and self-esteem. By setting and achieving goals, you can help give yourself a greater sense of empowerment that will leave you feeling much happier.

Improve mood, reduce risk of depression

When you’re feeling low, the last thing you’re likely to want to do is get up and go for a run. Yet you will find that after only a few minutes of running, your brain will start to release hormones that naturally improve your mood. In fact, there are few things in the world that can better or more rapidly lift your mood than exercise, such as running.

Anytime, anywhere

Travelling for work? Don’t belong to a gym? Have only 10 minutes to work out? Whatever your workout constraints, you can still fit in a run. Just grab those trainers and go!