Why Should I Take up Running?

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If you aren’t already a regular runner, you’re missing out on one of the best ways to improve your overall health as well as your mood.

Running is simple, fun, and easy to get into. Here are a few ways that taking up running will improve your life.

It’s Good For Your Heart

Going for a run every day is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart. Even running for five minutes every day has been shown to reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease. Like other aerobic exercises, running strengthens your heart and helps you to maintain a healthy heart rate and blood pressure. Regular runners have hearts with larger left ventricles that are much more capable at pumping a lot of blood per beat, which means less stress for your heart overall.

It Strengthens Your Bones

Low-impact exercise equipment like ellipticals and resistance bands may cause less stress to your bones, but this stress is actually what makes running one of the best ways to maintain healthy bones. When under stress, your bones will reform in order to be able to handle that stress better. A regular running routine will help prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Despite often being regarded as bad for your knees, running actually strengthens your knees and maintains their flexibility.

It Takes You Places

Running is the perfect exercise for anyone who wants something different with each workout. You can run anywhere there’s a path to take you, which means you won’t be confined to the gym. Going for a run lets you explore your community, discover new trails, and get in touch with nature. Whether it’s a route through your local neighborhood or a running path at a local park, going for a run can be a real adventure. If you’d prefer to keep your running in one place, “virtual running” videos are a popular way to bring the adventure to your treadmill. 

It Makes You Feel Good

When it comes to relieving stress, running is a tough method to beat. Any physical exercise reduces levels of cortisol and other hormones that are associated with stress, as well as making your brain more stress resistant. Running also provides you with a boost in endorphins; neurotransmitters which are associated with a happy and optimistic mood. Running is also great for setting and achieving goals and will leave you feeling accomplished. 

It Goes With Any Workout

Running is great because it’s easy to work into an existing workout routine. It doesn’t take a lot of running to boost your body’s overall health, so you won’t have to worry about your routine cutting into your schedule. If you currently have a regular strength training routine, stepping out for a run after allows you to get out for a bit and brings an aerobic training aspect to your routine.

Running is natural, easy and doesn’t cost a huge amount to take up. It’s the perfect workout for anyone from beginners to trained athletes. Whether you chase weekly goals through a vigorous routine or take a jog around the block every evening, you’re taking steps toward a better you.

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