Running is an exercise that most people either love or hate. If you have never tried running before then you may think it would not be something that you would enjoy, but you may be surprised at how much fun it can be. There are also some health benefits that running can provide which makes it an exercise that you should seriously consider fitting into your day.
The main benefits that can be achieved by starting to run are explained below.
You Already Know How To Do It
Although you may need to perfect your technique, you will already know how to run. It may be easier than you think to find your stride when running. This means that you can get started straight away. You also do not need to purchase a lot of specialist equipment but it is worth investing in a good pair of running shoes. You may also find that a pair of best rated walking shoes is also suitable, especially if you are just starting out.
It Provides An Excellent Workout
There are very few other forms of exercise that can provide the same level of workout as running. You will be burning a lot of calories when you are running, and so this is an ideal exercise to try if you want to lose weight. It also gives your heart a very good workout, and this helps to keep it healthy. The blood is squeezed towards your heart by the legs as they are striding and then this blood is pumped straight back out again by the heart. The heart will work harder when you run faster, and this can help to make it even stronger still.
It Is Good For Your Knees
There is a misconception that running puts a lot of strain on your knees, but this is not the case. The biggest cause of problems with the knees is osteoarthritis. People are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis if they are overweight and so running can help with this as it makes it easier for people to manage their weight. The cartilage around your knee will also be kept strong as whenever you run the oxygen flow to this cartilage will be increased. The ligaments around your joints will also be strengthened as part of this process.
You Will Feel Less Stressed
Running is also very good for eliminating stress. It is not uncommon for people to go for a walk before then end of the day if they have had a stressful time at work. People find that the tension they feel around their body seems to disappear and that they can think more clearly. Studies have shown that exercise is three times more effective at reducing anxiety than doing no exercise at all. Running has also been used a treatment method by some psychiatrists to treat a range of serious mental health problems such as clinical depression and addiction.
It Can Prevent Serious Diseases
There are some serious diseases that running may help to prevent. People who run on a regular basis are less likely to develop certain types of cancers including breast, colon and lung cancer. Studies have shown that women who class themselves as runners are 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not do any form of regular exercise. Running is one of the most effective things you can do to try and keep yourself cancer free. It is also very effective at helping to find some other diseases including heart disease and diabetes and boosts your immune system so that you are less likely to suffer from common illnesses such as colds and flu.
It Can Help You Live Longer
Studies have also shown that people who go running on a regular basis tend to live longer. One study carried out by Stanford University followed two groups of runners and non-runners that were aged fifty and over for 21 years. The study showed that runners were less likely to suffer from disabilities as they got older. This was measured by asking both groups to carry out basic tasks such as shampooing their hair and cutting up food. At the end of the study, a larger percentage of the running group was still alive when compared to the non-runners.
If you are new to running, then it is important that you do not push yourself too hard at the beginning as this can lead to an injury which may prevent you from running at all. There are some very good programs that are available online which can give you a plan that allows you to reach your running goals by building up to this over a period. These plans will let you begin from your current fitness level which means that you are not overdoing things at the beginning.
Armed with a budget and a desire to get fit and stay that way, we are glad to welcome you to Walkingshoescenter.net. Life’s greatest journeys begin with a single step (Mark M. Roberts)