You will see someone running in almost any city or town in the majority of countries. Running is a popular form of exercise. It’s estimated that more than 600 million people run around the world.
In 2020, the popularity of running will continue to grow. Due to the pandemic, gyms were closed and many people took advantage of the opportunity to exercise outdoors. They downloaded Strava, dusted off their trainers and went out on the streets. Even after gyms reopened many people kept up their new hobby.
Millions of runners are not just passionate about running. Running has many benefits for your mental and physical well-being once you’ve gotten past the initial discomfort.
Running has many benefits that almost everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s improving your health, your heart, your lungs or your mood, you will find something to appeal to you. Running has been shown to be effective in treating addictions, including alcohol and drug abuse as well as problem gambling.
You can find out which running benefits resonate with you the most, and inspire you to put on your running shoes, hit the trail or treadmill, or even the road.
Table of Contents
- Heart health is good for you
- Sleep better with this product
- Gets you (runner’s) high
- Strengthens the body as a whole
- No time commitment required
- Final Words
Heart health is good for you
Running is the best cardio. Running for 10 minutes every day can reduce your cardiovascular risk. Running also lowers your resting pulse rate. This is an important indicator for your overall fitness and health. The lower your rate, the better your heart beat.
Improved cardiovascular health can also help increase endurance. This means you are able to sustain more vigorous activity over longer periods of time. You will feel a general improvement in fitness in your everyday life. This includes walking up hills and stairs, as well as running to catch the bus or taxi.
Sleep better with this product
A good night’s sleep is important for your physical and mental health. Sleep is a time when our bodies repair themselves, so you should feel refreshed. Exercise is thought to improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster. Even though runners used to be warned that an evening work-out could disrupt their sleep, recent research has shown that it actually improves sleep. Just avoid doing a tough interval workout an hour before bedtime.
Gets you (runner’s) high
Running has a mood-boosting effect. Running releases two powerful feel-good chemical substances in your brain – endorphins, and endocannabinoids. This is the source of the ‘runner’s High’. Running is a great stress reliever. It boosts mood and concentration as well as overall quality of living. Many studies have shown that running improves mental health. It can reduce anxiety and depression, as well as help with addiction.
Strengthens the body as a whole
Running can build and strengthen muscle just as well as lifting weights. Running up hills and on rough terrain can strengthen your whole body, as you are forced to use your stabilizing muscles like your glutes. They are the muscles that keep you steady and balanced. When you work them harder, they get stronger and can help you maintain your form. Running can strengthen your joints as well as your core muscles. Contrary to popular opinion, it is said that runners are less likely to develop hip or knee osteoarthritis.
No time commitment required
You can run despite your limitations, whether you have to travel for work, commute long distances, don’t belong to a gym or only have 10 minutes. Running is an excellent option for those who have a busy schedule and cannot fit in classes or workouts. Even 10 minutes of running can have a positive impact. You can run for longer if you feel like it. Running is a free activity that doesn’t require any commitment. It is also a very natural movement, so there is no learning curve.
Final Words
Running is a great way to keep fit. Try to schedule your runs like you would a business meeting. Download your favorite podcast or playlist and head out on the road. Your body and mind will both thank you, no matter how far or short your journey is.
