Running has long been touted as one of the most effective ways to improve health and wellness in people of all ages, gender, body type and fitness level. But while running benefits everyone (including you), they may not be exactly what you’d expect. Here are 7 surprising health benefits of running that will make you want to lace up and hit the road right now!
1) Improves Heart Health
Running is a great way to improve your heart health. The main way it does this is by increasing the volume and intensity of your heartbeats. In addition, running can also strengthen your heart muscle and increase its ability to pump blood. This increased efficiency can help you avoid heart failure or an irregular heartbeat. Lastly, running may even lower the risk of having a stroke in the future.
Running also leads to increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, commonly known as good cholesterol). This type of cholesterol removes extra fat and toxins from your blood. And lastly, running can lower your blood pressure, which is good news if you have hypertension or high blood pressure. When combined with a healthy diet and other cardiovascular exercise, running can significantly lower your risk for heart disease and heart-related problems.
2) Reduces Stress
Running is a great way to reduce stress. The endorphins released when running can help alleviate feelings of depression, and it’s an excellent form of exercise that strengthens bones and muscles. Running also increases your heart rate, which improves circulation and keeps the heart healthy. Even better, women who run have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
0Regular exercise such as running can be particularly beneficial if you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Your doctor may recommend exercise as a treatment, and studies show that exercising regularly helps to reduce symptoms of depression by boosting endorphins. You don’t have to run marathons or even leave your house to reap these benefits; even a simple daily walk can improve your mental health. It’s important to consult your doctor if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, but regular physical activity is often an effective treatment.
3) Strengthens Bones
Running strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. It also boosts your metabolism and helps you lose weight. Plus, because running burns calories quickly, it can help you slim down faster than other types of exercise. If you’re worried about how your hair will look while running, don’t be—it’s totally normal to sweat a lot when you run, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to frizz up all over the place. And if you’re worried that running might mess with your menstrual cycle or make it irregular, don’t worry—there are plenty of studies out there that say this is completely false. In fact, some studies show that regular runners have a higher chance at getting pregnant after trying than non-runners.
4) Boosts Energy Levels
Running is a full-body workout that gives you an energy boost and helps you feel more awake after just one run. It also promotes a healthy metabolism, so it’s the perfect way to slim down and keep those excess pounds at bay. Whether it’s been a while since you last ran or it’s your first time ever, running is the perfect way to improve your fitness level, become strong and slim, and set yourself up for better health in the future.
5) Increases Longevity
Running is a great way to stay in shape and keep your body strong. Plus, Research has shown that running can help you live longer! A few reasons why: 1) Running helps reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. 2) As we age, muscle mass decreases and fat accumulates on our bodies. One study found that running can decrease this fat accumulation by 30% in just 6 months. 3) Runners have a greater chance of living longer than non-runners because they’re more likely to take care of themselves, practice good hygiene, get enough sleep, eat healthy foods and be less stressed out.
6) Aids in Weight Loss
Running is a great form of exercise that has many benefits for the body. When it comes to weight loss, running is especially beneficial because it helps burn calories and fat more quickly than other forms of exercise. Studies have shown that women who run 30 minutes or more at least three times per week will lose weight faster than those who do not. The amount of weight lost through running is dependent on your diet, but even if you maintain your current diet, you should still notice a difference in the number on the scale after some time.
7) Improves Brain Function
Studies have shown that running can improve brain function, making runners more focused and alert. One study found that regular aerobic exercise boosts blood flow to the frontal lobes of the brain by about 30%. This helps to keep your mind sharp. Exercise also stimulates the production of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is essential for maintaining healthy neurons. As a result, levels of BDNF are typically higher in people who exercise regularly than those who don’t. In turn, these higher levels promote better memory and faster learning.
