Regular running or a decently-paced jog is a great way to start or end the day. Running energizes the entire body into action and clears the mind to open up new avenues of thought, often triggered by the views and people encountered along the path.
For various reasons, brisk walks are an effective alternative for those who cannot directly hit the track. If health permits, one can ramp the pace into a neat jog over time. Here are some of the best health benefits of regular running.
Amazing Health Benefits of Regular Running
1. Weight Loss
Regular running is an ideal way to shed excess body weight systematically. The entire body is put into action, burning down excess fat into smaller disposable units that can easily be absorbed over time. Running at a speed of 10 minutes per mile, an individual of average weight can quickly shed about 300 calories over a ½ hr course, making it the best way to tone up muscles and get rid of fat.
2. Cardiac Health
Cardiovascular exercises aim to tone the heart muscles regularly to keep pace with hectic schedules. Regular running helps improve the heart’s pumping mechanism, increases arterial activity and blood circulation, and reduces the risks of heart attacks and high blood pressure. Clogged or stiff arteries are the leading causes of severe heart problems. Maintaining the elasticity of the heart muscles with appropriate exercises or jogging is a natural way to steer clear of cardiac issues.
3. Body Strength
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the entire body, especially the lower body and limbs, are strengthened and toned by regular running. This protects them from injuries that otherwise may affect those who do not bother to exercise. Skin tone and texture also improve as the body is exposed to natural elements and regularly flushes out toxins during the routine.
4. Improved Immune System
Regular running also does a lot of good to the immune system due to flushing out toxins, waste, and dead cells from the body, improving the ability to fight diseases such as diabetes and asthma. Blood sugar levels remain under control, and the tendency for insulin resistance is also reduced, allowing people with diabetes to opt for flexible dietary plans.
Jogging or running also improves the breathing pattern, strengthening the respiratory system in general and making it easier for asthma patients to counter the problems of this condition.
5. Better General Health
Running does a lot of good for health in general. It tones the body to meet any eventuality, improves alertness, quickens responses, and makes it more flexible to handle daily activities casually when combined with other exercises.
Psychological Benefits
We saw that running offered many visible health benefits, making it easier for people to appreciate and adopt the routine. However, regular running or jogging also provides a psychological boost from being in perfect shape and a sense of self-control derived from a regular physical fitness routine.
1. Relief from Stress
Regular running is an effective stress buster for anyone experiencing high-stress levels daily. Stress is known as a silent killer. It quietly affects all vital functions of the body, increases blood pressure, affects emotional balance, triggers anger, anxiety, and mood fluctuations, and severely affects individuals’ quality of life and decision-making abilities.
2. Refreshed Mind
A quick sprint or a relaxed jog allows people to attempt the routine independently. Moving along familiar or new routes amidst a waft of fresh breeze, mulling over new ideas and existing problems, or simply soaking in the environs – running energizes both the mind and the body.
3. Improved Relationships
A walk or a jog with a friend or family member improves relationships, while listening to music or news when on the track has benefits.
Scientifically Proven Benefits
For those looking for scientific proof to support the stress-busting and physical effects of running – note that running or exercising releases endorphins – neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for triggering a ‘feel good’ sensation in the body.
Ongoing research on the enzyme complex Target of Rapamycin (TOR) reveals that this complex governs intracellular activity. It works to preserve dead cells as food sources during good times to counter famine. Interestingly, cells forage on other healthy cells for survival when the body is starved, and TOR responsibly stocks dead cells to cater to the feeding frenzy during such times.
TOR is turned off when the body is starved, and dead cells are released. Running or exercising tends to induce an artificial resource scarcity, forcing waste out of the body. TOR also has a proven influence on longevity, immunity, and youth and is known to be controllable by aerobics and running.
1. Barefoot Running
We use running shoes or cross-trainers during regular morning or evening exercise routines. Barefoot running, or “natural running”, is yet another way of harnessing the health benefits of regular running.
Given the polluted city environment, barefoot running is best experienced with barefoot running shoes; yes, shoes offer nearly the same feel as running without them, but with adequate protection for the feet.
Several reputed footwear manufacturers deal in special barefoot running shoes. It is easy to browse the various models and buy barefoot running shoes online from manufacturers or retailers.
How to Choose Barefoot Running Shoes
Are you looking to buy barefoot running shoes online? Take care to choose the right shoe. Barefoot shoes offer minimum protection, trying to mimic the barefoot feel, are made of lightweight material, and are designed along the contours of natural feet. These shoes should fit snugly without any extra space around the toes. Barefoot shoes are best suited for people with a naturally high arch. Try the shoes at the local store for the best fit before buying barefoot running shoes online.
The health benefits of regular running are pretty impressive. The only thing you have to do is pull yourself together and incorporate running into your daily routine.
Running is beneficial in several ways to boost the metabolism of the body and the mind.
