How does running help us stay healthy, why we should we do it every day, and what are its benefits? It is no surprise that running is a great aerobic exercise for losing weight. But running can also be very beneficial to the overall health. It is easily accessible, free, and enjoyable.
You can also check the benefits of walking.
Benefits of Running
Let’s explore running closer:
Weight Management
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- As mentioned above, running is great for losing weight and maintaining our physical shape. On average, you can burn approximately 100 calories per mile run, or 1.6km.
Stress and Depression
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- Alongside walking, running is one of the best methods for relieving stress and anxiety as well as fighting depression. Whilst moving, the body relaxes and thoughts start to flow, which help the mind think cleanlier and better.
Strong Bones and Muscles
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- Running helps the body develop strong bones as well as strengthen your muscles. Running is commonly used with a combination of other forms of exercise, in order to maximise overall fitness levels.
Increase Muscle Strength
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- Walking helps building up stamina and tones up your muscles, and more particularly your legs and abdominal area. It also builds up your joints, by strengthening the muscles supporting the joints and hips.
Improve sleep
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- After a good workout, sleep is always sweeter. Running is no different, as it offers good physical dynamics. Explore more on improving sleep.
Disease Prevention
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- Running is associated with reducing the risk of many diseases. It helps decrease the chance of having a strong, as well as, preventing breast cancer in women. Running also benefits the heart.
Overall Health
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- From regulating blood pressure to maintaining cholesterol levels, running makes the top as one of the best exercises for both the mind and the body. The healthier you are, the better the overall health will be.
The benefits of a single run are immense, but to be contributed towards your overall health, running should be done on a regular basis.
Governmental recommendations:
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150 minutes per week
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – National public health institute in the United States (?) -
30 minutes per day
Department of Health & Human Services – State Government of Victoria, Australia (?) -
150 minutes per week
National Health Service (NHS) – Health care systems of the United Kingdom (?)
