Do you like running? If you do, we have a good news. And if you don’t, you should try it. Many say exercise is medicine. And it’s true. A lot of scientific evidence proves that regular exercise, about 30 minutes five times a week, and running, in particular, brings health benefits. Studies have shown that running can help prevent diseases and unpleasant conditions alike. For instance, obesity, some cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease, type diabetes, stroke etc. What’s more, it is also shown that running vastly improves your mental and emotional life as well. It can even help you live longer.
And here is how running improves your health.
It makes you Happier
If you’ve been working out regularly, you’re likely to know this already. Exercise will make you feel better. Including running. And it goes beyond just the “runner’s high”, the rush of feel-good hormones known as endocannabinoids. In a study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, it was found that a single bout of exercise could instantly lift the mood of someone suffering from a major depressive order.
Studies have also shown that exercise protects you against anxiety and depression. Moderate exercise may help people cope with anxiety and stress, even after they’re done doing it. A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2012, it was proved that just 30 minutes of running the week for three weeks boosted mood, concentration and sleep quality during the day.
It gets you Fit
You know that exercises burn calories while you’re working out. But, do you know that the burn continues even after you stop? Studies have shown that regular exercise boosts the number of calories you burn after exercise. That’s kinda like getting a paycheck after you retire.
This effect happens when you’re exercising at intensity about 70% of VO2 max. That’s a bit faster than your easy pace but a little slower than marathon pace.
It strengthens your Bones and Joints
It has been known that running increases bone mass. And, helps stem the age-related bone loss. Have you ever heard this sentence “running is bad for your knees” or something along the line? Well, it’s not. Science has proven that that’s not true. On the contrary, studies show that running improves your knee health.
It keeps you sharper (yes, even as you Age)
Worried about “losing it” as you age? Working out regularly will help you stay “with it.” According to a study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review in 2012, it has been shown that regular exercise helps defeat age-related mental decline. Especially, functions like selective attention, working memory and task switching.
Studies also consistently found that older adults that are fitter scored better in mental tests than their unfit peers. What’s more is in stroke patients, regular exercise improves their memory, thinking, language and judgment problems. How much? By almost 50%.
And that’s how running can improve your health. Well, more reasons to start (or keep) running!