Reaping the Benefits to Running
There are numerous benefits to
running. My non-runner friends simply don't understand my addiction to
it. They see it as mindless repetitive exercise. But those who do run
know that the rewards far outweigh the demands. This article details the
physical, mental, and even social benefits of running.
Most runners run for weight
management, whether it be to lose weight or maintain current weight.
Running burns more calories than any other form of cardiovascular
exercise, except for cross country skiing. Consider the fact that losing
one pound of body weight requires that you burn 3500 calories. Running
burns an average of 100 calories per mile. If you run five miles per
day, seven days per week, you can lose one pound in one week. This is
quite an astounding rate of weight loss. Additionally, running requires
the heavy consumption of oxygen, which facilitates fat burning and
increases the percentage of lean muscle.
Of all the benefits to running, better
cardiovascular health is probably the most rewarding. Running forces the
heart to pump more to deliver oxygenated blood to the muscles. This
workload effectively strengthens the heart, and consistent long term
conditioning can lead to decreased risk of heart attack and heart
failure. Running causes the arteries to expand and contract up to three
times as much as when sedentary, which maintains their elasticity and
subsequently leads to lower blood pressure. With hypertension being one
of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke, running does much to
lower risk. The lungs experience an increase in capacity and strength as
well, which leads to increased oxygenation of the blood for the heart
to deliver. This higher efficiency decreases the amount of workload
stress needed for adequate delivery, which leads to better long term
health of the cardiovascular system.
Running goes a long way in promoting
better general health. For example, running helps prevent a number of
diseases, from the common cold to cancer, by boosting the immune system.
While running, the body metabolizes carbohydrates and stored glycogen,
which may help prevent diabetes or improve the health of people with
diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. The increased workload of
running stimulates the bones to become denser, making them less
susceptible to osteoporosis as the runner ages. Running keeps the body
youthful by increasing overall agility, strength, and coordination.
Aside from the numerous physical
benefits to running, there are also numerous psychological benefits.
Many runners that I talk to report an improvement in mood, or even an
intense euphoria after a run. Running relieves stress, and increases
energy and concentration levels for more enjoyable daily living. There
are many explanations for this effect. At the biological level, running
causes the brain to release beta endorphins. Their essential purpose is
to relieve pain, but they also have the tendency to make a person feel
extremely lofty and happy (much like morphine would). Another
explanation is that running allows the runner to focus on the task at
hand, and breaks the residual effect of daily stressors such as work and
family responsibilities. Likewise, have you ever noticed at times that
the most brilliant ideas come to you while running? Running seems to
improve mental processes so that the runner can better problem-solve
issues that are bothering him or her. Lastly, running improves
self-image not only from a physical standpoint, but with a sense of pride,
accomplishment, and confidence that comes with overcoming the challenge
of running.
Although by nature running is a highly
individual sport, it helps promote a better community. A communal
running event brings together people from all skill levels and walks of
life under a friendly welcoming atmosphere. There's a strong sense of
camaraderie, the kind that people feel when they are all working towards
a common goal. People are very encouraging, and you can usually spot a
couple groups of runners pushing each other along. Most times, there's an
after run celebration with music, food, and drinks, so you can have some
time to get to know some of the runners a little more. I've met many
friends this way. You can also make friends by joining a running club,
visiting your local running store, and even signing up with an online
running forum. Running benefits society at large. The organizations that
put together running events usually donate a portion of revenues to
charities benefiting all sorts of causes. It sure feels great knowing
that you can make a difference in someone else's life.
Helpful Links
Homepage of eRunningTips.com
Benefits to Running
Beginners Running Guide
Proper Running Form
Running Heart Rate Zones
Interval Running Guide
Tempo Running
Improving Running Cadence
Creating a Weight Loss Running
Program
How to Choose Running Shoes
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Online Running Stores
Running in Cold Weather
Hot Weather Running Advice
Prevent
Running Cramps
|
|
