With so many ways to keep healthy, running is one of the most easy and low-cost ways to stay on track (excuse the pun). With any form of exercise being beneficial for extending your life, it’s not too late to discover running as a way to stay healthy.
With so many benefits from running, we’ll look at the top 5 so you can start trying it for yourself.
1. Strengthening
Running is a great way to strengthen your lungs and heart, as well as your leg muscles. It’s important to have a strong and healthy body. When running, pressure is placed on your bones to manage the stress and over time your bones will adapt and get stronger. This is key for later in life when bone loss and other afflictions set in such as osteoarthritis. Not only will it help strengthen your bones, when we run the heart rate increases, meaning the muscles in the heart work harder to keep up with the increased activity. Long-term with a stronger heart you are able to cope better in both resting and active modes, and it also aids in blood circulation. Always be mindful when you do go for a run that you listen to your body and never push yourself too far. If you have any pre-existing concerns, it’s always best to discuss with your doctor prior to commencing.
2. Weight control
Often when trying to lose weight, people opt to reduce calorie intake which is not a long-term solution. Restricting calorie intake and not doing exercise often results in muscle loss. By taking up running, you strengthen your muscles and by incorporating a managed diet, the two go hand in hand to achieve a healthy body.
As with any new routine, it’s always important to make small, structured changes rather than trying to implement drastic changes. If you’re new to the sport, it’s always good to look at running clubs or courses that can help you reach your goal.
3. Mood
Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals known as endorphins, and one of the results of this process is a positive feeling in the body. Often people who run or take part in exercise describe a feeling called a “runner’s high” as well as displaying a positive and energised outlook on life. Making positive changes to benefit yourself will make you feel good about yourself.
4. Stress release
Running is a great activity to clear your mind and release yourself from everyday pressures in life. For the next 20, 30 or even 60 minuets while you run, you can lose yourself in your rhythm and movements and take time out from the rat race and let off some steam.
5. It can be social
Often people think running is a solitary sport, but running is a great way to meet new people and learn new tips. Running clubs often host regular events for novices to seasoned runners to participate in. These groups are a great way to meet new people who share common interests.
There are so many more benefits, but these are key factors that make running such a great activity. If you haven’t started running already, there’s only one way to start and that’s by lacing up your shoes and taking that first step!
Hissy Fit provide running clubs that are held over 6 weeks and take place every Tuesday and Thursday in South Dublin. In addition to this, we also provide corporate running clubs.
Contact us today at Hissy Fit today for more information.