The Benefits Of Running & How To Get Started With A Running Program
While many see running as an exercise that is among the lightest out there, it is in fact one of the most demanding routines – and an exercise that gives you instant results in the form of huge mood improvements, better stamina, and no extra pounds.
Putting one foot in front of the other and chasing a better you will benefit you in a lot of ways. Even if you are not a fan of running, we are about to change your mind.
20+ Benefits Of Running Everyone Should Know
Running comes with a long list of benefits. Compared to other exercises, it is one of the best ways to melt calories and prevent health disorders.
We have created a list to sum up all of the benefits. So basically, running is great because it helps you:
- Make new friends – Running with someone else gives you great company, especially when it’s health-minded folks like you
- Save some cash – You will save on buying fancy equipment, pricey gym memberships, and many other things. Running only demands the right footwear.
- Visit the doctor less – If you want to prevent diseases, especially heart-related ones, running is a great habit that keeps the doctor away
- Eat more carbs – Since running burns a lot of calories, it is a great excuse to slurp more spaghetti – sometimes, carbs can help your performance and boost your mood.
- Find interesting ways of practicing – Boring laps around a track aren’t very motivational for runners. You can run while traveling, run on new tracks, and keep things interesting everywhere you go.
- Live longer – Who doesn’t want to live longer? Runners are found to have fewer disabilities and remain active longer than their sedentary counterparts.
- Feel the burn – Running can burn more than 850 calories an hour.
- Boost sexual performance – Running can help with flexibility between the sheets and get you in the mood more often.
- Boost your memory – Exercise in general has been shown to keep the mind sharp and focused. Running is only one example of it.
- Get you in a positive mood – Active folks see the glass as half full and are often more positive towards others.
- Make your skin glow – When running, you are getting toxins out of your body – resulting in healthy and glowing skin.
- Improve your self-esteem – Runners who run outside and see nature have been found to increase their self-esteem more compared to those that run in the gym.
- Keep your balance – It is a great way to master balance. However, you should not overdo running as it may take a toll on your knees and give you injuries.
- Build stronger bones – Scientists have found that running builds the muscles that lower-impact workouts ignore, keeping your bones healthier as you age.
- Gives you an energy boost – Aside from memory and sexual performance, running makes you more energetic and productive during the day.
- Is loved by your furry pals – Thinking of exercising with your pet? Running is the perfect idea. Grab the leash and give your pet a great treat.
- Strengthen the core – You can improve your posture, strengthen your limbs, and make your daily activities a breeze.
- Sleep better – Runners are great when it comes to establishing healthy sleeping routines in order to keep their performance high.
- Do it all year-round – Racking up miles can give you the same health benefits all year round.
- Jam out to your favorite music – You can listen to music while running – and even perform better while rocking your favorite sounds.
- Eliminate stress – If you are pulling your hair out and binge-watching TV shows, running can help you stabilize your hormone levels and be happier in general.
- Blend in with nature – You can run by rivers, lakes, oceans, or anywhere where your heart feels happy.
- Get to places faster – Running is a great alternative to a leisurely evening stroll around the neighborhood.
- Look better in every outfit – Running makes you slimmer and gives you a model-like physique.
Now that you know that running is a great way to get fit, feel better, and form new relationships with other runners (and your furry friends), it’s time to learn a bit about how to start running.
(How To) Start Running Now And Enjoy All Of The Benefits?
Runners are known for pushing their limits. So, when buying new sneakers for running, make sure to also prepare yourself with a stopwatch or a mobile app (Strava is a great example) in order to track how many miles you have run and how many calories you have burned.
And obviously, always try to break these stats and make your body more efficient.
Here is our advice when starting a running program:
- Stretch before each run to avoid injury
- Train three days a week
- Run or walk 20 to 30 minutes
- Take longer runs on the weekend
- Rest or cross-train on your off-days
- Run at a conversational pace
- Consider taking regular walk breaks
- Stick to one specific location
Oh, and never forget to bring a bottle of water with you if you are going on a long run – your body needs to get plenty of fluids which are depleted during a run. You need to make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your running sessions.
Once your body adapts, you will start feeling better both physically and mentally. You will have developed a healthy habit and you will have motivation to begin other exercise programs to improve your health even more!
