How many times have people told you that running will be the end of your joints, if not your whole body? It sometimes seems to be the prime occupation for non-runners to come up with reasons why running must be bad for your health. They cite bad joints, weakened ligaments and sagging skin.
But the facts speak for themselves. Running in moderation is one of the best ways to stay in shape, remain healthy and live longer.
Everyone knows that running is good for you, but we’ll bet you didn’t known just how great it is. Here we bring you 10 of the best reasons to carry on running.
Burns fat
Most sports and health experts agree that running is a highly efficient way of burning calories, and therefore losing weight. A 10st person walking at 4mph for an hour burns 228 calories, while the same person running at 6mph burns 640 calories. Running for the same time at 8mph takes the calorie tally to 860.
Beats stress
Thanks to the release of hormones called endorphins that cause euphoria (runner’s high), running has been shown to have numerous psychological benefits. Indeed, it has long been recommended as a way to cope with depression and many forms of addiction. In various studies, runners are proven to be typically happier and less stressed than those who do not exercise regularly.
Holds back time
Running can help to slow the aging process by preventing muscle and bone loss, which can nautrally lead to osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). Because of the high-impact nature of the sport our bones and muscles are stimulated to grow and become stronger. In addition, running has also been proven to promote the human growth hormone, which can naturally keep us young. Statistical evidence reveals that on average runners live longer, too.
Fights disease
All exercise helps in the fight against such illnesses as heart disease and diabetes but running is particularly effective. Running has been proven to reduce our risk of a stroke and heart attacks by strengthening the heart’s muscles and lowering blood pressure. In fact, one report reveals that running for 2 hours and 25 mins per week reduces the average person’s chances of a heart attack by 40%.
Running and jogging are also recommended by health experts to treat those at high risk, or in the early stages , of osteroporisis, diabetes and hypertension. Added to this, runners record lower incidence of some cancers, including breast cancer.
Encourages sleep
A study on sleep and exercise conducted in Finland found that 43% of people who increased their exercise over a period of three months reported improved sleep, and only 1% noted a problem with sleeping. In another American study runners were found to sleep longer and deeper than those who do not take part in regular exercise. The only words of caution are not to run too close to bedtime as the increased adrenaline can keep you awake.
Improves sex
Being more physically active significantly improves your vascular health, which has the knock-on effect of boosting sex drive, according to the health experts. One study in America also concluded that male runners have the sexual prowess of men two to five years younger. Research carried out at Harvard University found men over 50 who run at least three hours a week have a 30% lower risk of impotence than those who do little or no exercise. Of course, body image, endurance and stamina are all factors that are improved by running – and also vital components of a good sex life.
Saves the environment
The act of running is carbon-neutral and because many people run instead of using other non-green forms of transports it can even contribute to an overall reduction in carbon emissions. The only negative effect of running on the environment could be considered the manufacturing and import of trainers. But even this factor can be off-set by carbon-neutralising your trainers with the purchase of a tree or two. See http://www.carbonneutral.com.
Helps your memory
30 minutes of running can stimulate your short-term memory. Research found that treadmill runners had higher scores on verbal and numeric memory tests.
Improves coordination
This applies particularly to those who run off-road. The uneven surface, combined with obstacles such as rocks and tree roots, requires runners to learn how to maintain better control over their bodies to prevent tripping over. But even running on a flat, smooth surface can result in better coordination because the action of running forces the body to work together to stay upright and travel in the right direction.
Boosts your bank account
Running is cheap, time efficient and flexible compared to many other forms of exercise. Once you have bought a pair of trainers, which is the only vital piece of equipment, there is little else to pay for. And even if you do splash out on a few running outfits and a couple of races this cost is still not going to be as high as a year’s private gym membership.