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The Benefits of Running
Although it should be reasonable clear by now why running is the best sport you can do, there are still people wondering what the benefits of running are.
Well, if you aren't a runner yet, I hope you'll consider being one after having read this article. I'll cover the most important benefits of running here. It doesn't convince you ? Then I don't know what will !
Weight loss benefits of running
One of the most obvious reasons to get into running is weight loss. This was a factor for me as well, I have to admit.
In my teenage years I was a fanatical soccer player hoping to make it to the pros. Although I got selected for some regional teams and a couple of scouts came to visit my games a few times, I did not make it.
I stopped playing soccer when I went to uni. Enjoying uni life a little too much I gained over 18 pounds in one year. That's when I recognized one of the major benefits of running: weight loss.
At first I could not run that far. But knowing how fit I had been before, I did not give up and gradually got better. The pounds vanished. Running is widely recognized as one of the best methods to work off the pounds. Get into it !
Esthetical benefits of running
Another one of the great benefits of running is that it is a superb way to get into shape and look better.
Once you start running the fat in your body will make place for muscle. Now, be aware, muscles are heavier than fat. So it might even be that you don't experience weight loss immediately or in as big steps as you hoped for. But your toning will improve. At the same weight you might already be able to fit into a smaller size !
Long-term benefits of running
I got inspired into writing this page when I saw a copy of an Australian issue of Runner's World. This issue featured an article on a veteran runner. When you had a look at him you would guess his age to be about 55. Maybe 60 if you factored in that you were asked to guess this guy's age and apparently this meant it was quite amazing.
Well, turned out he is 73 years old and still runs about three times a week !
Whenever I have difficulty getting out of the door I simply have a look at this guy's photo again. That's what I want for me when I am older !
One of the long-term benefits of running is that you'll live longer and look younger than a sedate person. You are simply a lot healthier.
Your cardiovascular system (=heart & blood vessels) can do with a regular workout. With the staggering and rising numbers of obesity in the Western world, you need to make sure you are going to be at the healthy end of the spectrum.
And if you don't do it for yourself, do it for your (future ?) children and grandchildren who will want to be around you for a lot longer !
To understand why exercise (like running) strengthens your immune system, and reduces the risks of sickness and disease, go to ImmuneSystemRemedies:Exercise
Dietary benefits of running
One of the side-effects of running is that it will make you improve your diet. Acting healthy makes you want to eat healthy as well. Away go the benefits of running if you stuff yourself with greasy fast food after your workout !
For most runners, I hope for you as well, the desire to have fast food simply is not there, or is easier to resist. Now, that's a double bonus; burning more calories and consuming less !
Mental benefits of running
Regular running is associated with psychological and mental benefits as well, such as reduction of insomnia and generally better sleeping patterns.
This, in turn, improves your concentration throughout the day.
And did you know that running is also prescribed to treat some psychological disorders like clinical depression ?
Get those running shoes out of that dusty cupboard today !
Benefits of running over other exercise
Regular exercise is good for you. The benefit of running over, let's say, a gym membership is the hefty price tag and the convenience.
Once you have your running shoes, socks, shorts, and t-shirt you are good to go, anywhere in the world, whether you are travelling a lot or not. Whether you have unregular shifts or not. You can always go for a run.
Conclusion
The benefits of running are basically endless.
Short-term effects like weight loss, improvement of looks and dietary changes are reason enough to start running.
But the long-term benefits of running make it really worth it. Running provides you with a life of physical and mental health.
Make sure that when you are in your mid-seventies you look like you are in your mid-fifties and maybe you'll live to be a hundred !
Interested in learning all there is to know about running ?
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Beginners Running Program 1 |
Beginners Running Program 2 |
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The Benefits of Running |
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Running and Weight Loss |
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