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The Benefits
of Running - At Least Six Reasons Why You Should Run!
What
are the
benefits of running?
Running is one of the best sports you can do.
Some of the benefits are probably clear to you.
But there are more reasons to run than you had probably thought of.
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 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 pro-coaches 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: 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!
Want to learn more about weight loss and running? Then check out the Running
and Weight Loss page.
Esthetic Benefits of Running
Another great benefit 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.
Well, as you run, your muscles get stronger and bigger. And your fat
will disappear. I mean, don't start thinking fat will magically turn
into 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!
Related Pages
Long-term Benefits of Running
I got inspired into writing this page when I saw a copy
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 50-55.
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 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!
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 those running benefits 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!
Need some help with improving your diet? You could check out
the Runner's
Diet page!
Mental Benefits of Running
Regular exercise 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.
I know I feel
it. After a day at work I am mentally exhausted. Yet,
running re-invigorates me. And I also feel it when time goes by that I
can't get to my regular running.
I don't sleep as well, get crabbier and more tired! Just notice for
yourself how exercise makes you feel. It does feel good, doesn't it?
And did you know that cardiovascular exercise (jogging, swimming, bike riding) 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 that running
is very flexible.
There is no hefty price tag, annual membership or anything
like that.
You don't have to go to a special place, a court or so.
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.
And your gear, shoes and apparel doesn't have to be expensive.
Just check out the running
shoes section for some good shoe ideas.
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!
More Awesome Pages You Have to See
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