8 Health Benefits of Running
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise – and for good reason! You don’t need much equipment, you can do it pretty much anywhere and anytime, and it offers a whole host of health benefits – for your body and your mind.
Whether you’re looking for motivation to put those sneakers on or you’re just curious about the perks of pounding the pavement, here’s the lowdown on all the benefits of running for your health.
Strengthens your heart
Every time you lace up and hit the road, your heart gets a workout that makes it stronger and more efficient it. Running increases your heart rate, sending blood and oxygen flowing through your body. Over time, this helps lower your resting heart rate and blood pressure, so your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to keep things running smoothly.
It also helps reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raise “good” cholesterol (HDL), which keeps your arteries clear. No wonder the American Heart Association recommends running to prevent heart disease and keep your heart healthy!
Find out whether running can help you live longer.
Builds stronger muscles and bones
Running isn’t just great cardio – it’s a workout for your whole body! Each step strengthens your legs, with quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes growing stronger as you run. It also engages your core to keep you stable, improving your balance and your posture too.
The impact of each step also triggers your bones to increase density, making them tougher and more resilient over time. This can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and keep your bones strong and healthy as you get older.
Boosts your immune system
Regular moderate-intensity runs can boost your immune system, making your body more efficient at fighting infections. It increases circulation, promotes the release of white blood cells and antibodies, and helps reduce inflammation – all of which make your body more resilient.
Burns calories
Running burns calories like nobody’s business, which is great for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each run can burn hundreds of calories, and thanks to the ‘afterburn effect’, your body keeps burning calroies even after you’ve stopped.
But it’s not just about weight loss – burning calories also boosts your metabolism, using stored fats and carbs for energy. The result? You’ll feel lighter, more energized, and ready to tackle the day!
Speaking of which…
Gives you energy
It might seem backward, but running actually gives you more energy. This happens for several reasons. Firstly, running releases endorphins – those feel-good hormones that lighten your mood and reduce fatigue. Secondly, running increases blood flow and oxygen circulation, which helps you feel more alert. And last but not least, it boosts your metabolism so that your body can use energy more efficiently.
All in all it’s a natural way to feel more energized – no extra coffee needed!
Boosts your brainpower
Running isn’t just great for your body – it’s fantastic for your brain, too! It pumps more oxygen-rich blood to your brain, which in turn helps to improve your memory and sharpen your focus.
Studies show that aerobic exercise like running also enhances divergent thinking – the kind that helps you spark creative ideas. So if you need a burst of inspiration, running might be just what you need!
Lifts your mood
Nothing lifts your spirits like a good run. That’s because running lowers your cortisol levels – the hormone associated with stress and anxiety – and increases the production of endorphins and serotonin – those mood-boosting chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
A quick run is often all you need to clear your mind and lift your mood, turning a bad day into a great one in no time!
Find out more about the benefits of running for your mental health.
Helps you sleep like a baby
According to the John Hopkins Centre for Sleep, there is solid evidence that exercise helps you fall asleep faster and improves sleep quality. Stress and sleep are intrinsically connected, and by lowering cortisol levels and increasing the production of serotonin and endorphins, running helps you to relax, wind down, and sleep like a baby.
Ready to start running?
Running offers a whole host of health benefits. It’s great for your body and your mind, and it’s fun too!
No matter your age and fitness level, running is an excellent way to get healthier and happier. And with FunRun, it becomes an adventure! No strict training plans. No competition. Just running, for fun, in a way that works for you.
