Running is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental well-being. Runners live on average seven years longer than non-runners, they can expect to lose weight, reduce stress and lower their risk of heart disease! Whether you're training for marathons or just running around the block a few times a week, you'll get plenty of health benefits in return.
Not convinced that this aerobic exercise is as powerful as weight training or any other type of workout? We encourage you to check out just a few of the many benefits of running listed below!
1. Running Regulates Weight
Running is a fantastic exercise for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. This is largely because of how many calories you burn during a run, though this amount varies depending on your weight, age, sex, and other factors.
For reference, the average person typically burns about 100 calories per mile. So, if you want to lose lower belly fat, you'll likely see results from doing a treadmill workout a few times a week.
2. Running Relieves Stress
Yoga isn't the only workout linked to stress relief. Many people find huge stress relief from running, as the act itself encourages a sort of meditative focus. As you focus on inhaling and exhaling, the stresses of the day can just melt away. It doesn't hurt if you have a personal running coach or a fun playlist to distract you too.
3. Running Improves Sleep
Did you know that running can help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your sleep? Countless studies have examined the exercise-sleep connection, which partly states that those who exercise require more sleep.
Your body is incentivized into sleeping deeper and longer to help you recover from your workout. It's important to note, however, that doing an intense run too close to bedtime could make it more difficult to get to sleep, as your breathing and heart rate may still be high.
4. Running Strengthens Joints
Regular running strengthens joints and can even reduce your chances of developing osteoarthritis later in life. There's a false idea out there that running is necessarily rough on your joints. Thankfully, this isn't the case.
There have been studies on this topic that have found zero correlation between running history and developing arthritis. Whether or not you develop arthritis is largely dependent on your age, surgical history, and genetics.
5. Running Improves Cardiovascular Health
One of the most standout health benefits of running is its impact on your cardiovascular health. Running can help to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol, both of which are major factors in cardiovascular health. As a result, regular running can lower your risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 45%.
6. Mental Health Benefits
One of the most prominent benefits of running is its positive impact on mental health. Runners are less likely to be depressed or experience mood disorders, in part because running releases endorphins. These feel-good hormones will help to boost your mood, reduce anxiety and stress, all of which combined result in a reduction in negative thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Running and The Benefits of Running
Does running make my joints hurt more than other workouts do?
No, running doesn't make your joints hurt more than lifting weights or doing any other type of exercise. Joint pain is largely dependent on age, surgical history, and genetics.
How often should an average person go running to reap the benefits?
For the full benefits, it's recommended that you go running three to five times a week. If you're just starting out, however, it's better to build up your running endurance gradually.
How do you stay motivated?
There are a number of ways to stay motivated to run. You can sign up for a race, join a running group, or find new routes and trails around your neighborhood. Additionally, you can wear some great workout gear that will make you happy as you run!
One of the benefits of our coaching program is that you get the guidance you need and the motivation from our professionally trained full-time running coaches.
If you need some extra motivation, check out our motivational running quotes page.
Maximize the Benefits of Running by Leveraging our Online Coaching Programs
Looking to get personalized training support from our running coaches or to learn more about the best running app to get you started on your running journey? How about a virtual running coach that can create tailor-made training plans suited to your running experience, health, lifestyle, and goals? Run Your Personal Best's team of passionate and experienced online running coaches is here to provide you with valuable running tips and techniques and constant motivation through one-on-one sessions.
Have any questions about our coaching services? Please feel free to reach out to our friendly team at your next convenience. You can get in touch with us by emailing cory@runyourpersonalbest.com or calling (805) 246-7515.
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