7 Powerful Health Benefits of Running Every Day: It Is More Than Just Weight Loss
According to medical research, Running every day is one of the best ways you can increase your good cholesterol levels.
There’s more to Running than just hitting the tracks. Running is life. We’re constantly running away from problems or running towards goals. But whether you’re running away or towards something, it’s just great to run.
“As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” — Joan Benoit Samuelson
With that said, People run for various reasons. If you’re like me, who always tries to stay active through any form of physical activity, and find yourself mentally sluggish with a lack of physical activity, or if you’re someone just figuring out that you need some physical activity to lose some pounds. Or if you just want to get out and run to clear your mind, then this post is your reminder to put on your shoes and get Running.
Here’s a list of 7 of the many powerful health benefits of Running every day:
- Boosts metabolism
One of the myriad benefits of Running every day for a minimum of 30 minutes, increases the calorie expenditure and helps you get in shape. It pumps your heart rate, in turn boosting your metabolism as the body is working harder to burn more calories.
Running is an effective exercise to build muscles all over your body. And the addition of muscle mass to your body increases its resting metabolism as muscles burn more calories than fat.
2. Lose Weight
This is the most desired output of Running for most individuals. Obesity affects more than a billion people every day, and the best and easiest way to keep it at bay is to Run. Based on various factors, every individual burns fat differently. Running, combined with fuelling your body with nourishing food, is an effective way to stimulate fat burn and help keep those extra kilos away.
3. Increases stamina
A regular and consistent Running routine will keep increasing your heart rate, eventually making it stronger. Increased Cardiovascular health increases your stamina.
4. Elevates confidence
The feeling of happiness and inner peace that follows when we accomplish our goals is second to none. Running regularly has a similar impact on our confidence and self-esteem.
5. Regulates mood
The ‘Runner’s High’ that people talk about isn’t a myth. Research shows that Running, undoubtedly, is an instant mood booster and acts as an antidepressant. The powerful feel-good chemicals- Endorphins and Endocannabinoids- that the brain releases during a Run help boost your mood all day.
Research shows that Running is the best natural cure to ease depression, stress, anxiety, and clear your mind. But never to be treated as a replacement for treatment.
6. Better sleep
Unless you’ve been living under a rock on Mars in recent years, you would be aware of the emphasis being laid on the importance of sleep for our overall health and wellbeing. It’s at the time of rest that our body repairs and replenishes itself. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that Running, or any form of regular exercise improves the quality of your sleep and, in turn, helps you perform better.
7. Staying younger for Longer
While this might seem like a huge claim, research shows that regular, short, and consistent runs can add years to your life and life to your years. This is true for ample reasons:
- It improves blood circulation
- lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels
- Excellent glucose and insulin control
- Better hormone regulation
- Positive neurological functioning
- Stronger bones
Running, when coupled with strength training, amplifies the benefits of fat loss while building lean muscle mass. Whether your goal is to lose weight or lose stress, Running is the ideal solution. It is an amazing way to start your fitness journey since it doesn’t require any equipment.
These were some key pointers that got me on my feet (literally) and made me run. What are you waiting for? Start looking for your shoes right away.
If you’re unsure of how to start your fitness journey, read my blog Starting Your Fitness Journey: Don’t Do These Mistakes
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