People take up running for a number of reasons - some start running because they want to lose weight, while others start to run because they run marathons or just try something new. Whatever your reasons are for taking up running, I guarantee that you will experience a lot of physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Below I am going to explain some of the major benefits of running. If you are unsure about whether you want to take up running, I am certain that you will have changed your mind by the end of this page.

It Improves Your Health

One of the best benefits of going out for a run is that it will improve your health. Running is a great way to strengthen your heart muscles and ensure that you have efficient oxygen and blood flow through your body. This is something that will lower the risk of you falling victim to a heart attack.

Exercise, along with keeping a healthy weight, is the best way to naturally decrease your blood pressure if it is too high. If you suffer from high cholesterol, then going for regular runs can help to keep it in check. Furthermore, running coupled with weight bearing exercises will improve your bone density, which can help to fight off osteoporosis. If all this is not enough, adding running to your exercise routine is a great way to improve your body’s immune system, which will help make you more efficient at fighting of bacteria and viruses.

It Will Help You Lose Weight

A lot of people run to lose some extra weight. Running is one of the most intensive exercises out there, so it is a great way to burn off some extra calories and lose some extra pounds. If you are at a healthy weight already, then running will help you to maintain it. Running is an activity that increases “after burn”, which is the number of calories that your body burns after a workout. Some people start running and put on weight and wonder why. Well, it must be stressed that going for a run does not then give you a license to consume whatever food you like. The basic weight loss rule is that you have to burn more calories than you consume.

You Can Make New Friends

Some people like to run on their own so that they can enjoy some solitude, but there are many others who see running as a great opportunity to socialise. Finding someone to go for a run with or running in a group is a fantastic way to build a sense of community. You can all set goals and try to accomplish them as one. Furthermore, running with a friend or with a group of friends is a fantastic way to keep motivated.

It Will Help to Improve Your Memory

Running is an activity that promotes neurogenesis (nerve cell growth), and there is also some evidence that running consistently helps to combat age-related mental impairments. One major study showed that the ability to solve mental problems, switch between tasks, and recall memories is better in those who go for regular runs. Furthermore, running is an activity that might decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease and other brain illnesses.

It Can Improve Your Energy Levels

If you are feeling a bit tired or sluggish, then running, along with a healthy diet, is a fantastic way to boost your energy levels. You should also consider getting up 30-45 minutes earlier than you usually wake up because those who run during the morning often declare that they have increased energy levels throughout the day. The Journal of Adolescent Health published a study a few years back that proved that 30 minutes of running a week for a three-week period improved mood, sleep quality, and concentration levels during the day.

Running Can Help to Decrease Stress

Running, just like other types of exercise, is a great way to decrease your stress levels and depression. Those of you who have experienced a runner’s high will know just how much running can improve your mood. When you are running, your brain releases endorphins that will make you feel happy about yourself. Also, when you are running, you are concentrating so much on what you are doing and the environment around you, that you do not have the time to think about the other issues in your life.

Entertainment

If you’re already getting part of your entertainment fix through running and looking for something else to try, Athletics Betting could be for you. There are plenty of betting opportunities on major events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, and the Diamond League.