As with any sport or activity, running offers a variety of benefits. However, it’s not an easy sport to stick with. The monotony of the same routine can be challenging to keep up over time, which is why we understand why so many people struggle with keeping this habit going.
Fortunately, there are ways to make it easier to stick with running as a habit.
When you know the benefits that come from incorporating this exercise into your routine on a regular basis, staying motivated becomes much easier. So here are some reasons why you should make running a habit and why every runner should incorporate it into their lives.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
As anyone who has run a marathon can attest, running is great exercise for your heart. And according to the latest research, that’s not just a metaphor – regular running can actually help reduce your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. One study found that runners had a significantly lower risk of death from heart disease than non-runners.
Also, even if you don’t run marathons, you can still reap the benefits of running – running for short periods daily can benefit your overall health. So whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, know that you’re doing your heart a favor every time you hit the pavement.
Stronger Bones
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, over 54 million Americans suffer from some form of bone or joint disease. Of those, osteoporosis is one of the most common, affecting an estimated 10 million people in the United States alone. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures.
While it is most often diagnosed in older adults, it can affect people of all ages. Regular running can help to prevent the development of osteoporosis by keeping bones strong and healthy. When bones are put under mild stress, they actually become stronger. Running provides this type of stress, which helps to keep bones dense and less likely to break down.
In addition, running also helps to improve balance and coordination, both of which can help to prevent falls, a common cause of fractures in older adults. By incorporating regular runs into your routine, you can help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
Improved Mental Health
Running is a fantastic way to enhance one’s mental health. It has been shown to boost moods and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Running releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Additionally, running can help to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
All of these advantages can lead to better mental health. When it comes to depression, running can help to ease symptoms by providing a sense of accomplishment and increasing self-esteem.
For anxiety, running can help to distract from anxious thoughts and increase feelings of calmness and relaxation. If you are looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider adding running to your routine. You might be surprised at how much it improves your well-being.
Better Weight Control
For many people, managing their weight can be a lifelong struggle. Thankfully, there are many different ways to control weight, and one of the most effective is running. Running is an excellent way to burn calories and manage your weight. Not only does it help to boost metabolism, but it also helps to build lean muscle mass. In addition, running is a great way to release endorphins and relieve stress.
When combined with a healthy diet for example, a vegan based protein, running can be an extremely effective weight control tool. So if you’re looking for a healthy and sustainable way to manage your weight, consider a mild running routine.
Increased Lifespan
There are plenty of good reasons to start running, and one of the best is that it can help you live a longer life. That’s right – runners tend to have a longer lifespan than non-runners, even when other factors such as smoking and obesity are taken into account.
So why is this? Running has all sorts of benefits for your health, from helping to improve your cardiovascular fitness to reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But one of the most important ways it helps is by reducing your risk of dying from heart disease.
In fact, studies have shown that running just five minutes a day can reduce your risk of dying from heart disease by as much as 50%. Simply put, runners live longer than non-runners!
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your health and add years to your life, start hitting the pavement! Who knows, you might even find yourself enjoying it.
There Are Plenty of Online Resources and Communities Available to Help You Get Started With Running
Running is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it can be daunting to start if you’re not sure where to begin. Luckily, there are plenty of online resources and communities available to help you get started. You can find training plans, tips on gear and apparel, and advice on dealing with common issues like chafing and runner’s knee.
There are also forums where you can connect with other runners and ask questions, share advice, and find motivation. So if you’re thinking about starting to run, don’t be discouraged – there’s plenty of help available. Just do a little research and you’ll be on your way to becoming a runner in no time.
Conclusion
Though there are countless benefits to running, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. Some people may find that they prefer other forms of exercise, or that they can’t run as often as they would like due to time constraints or injuries. The most important thing is to find an activity that you enjoy and that you can stick with in the long term.
If running is something that you enjoy, then make it a regular habit and you’ll soon reap the rewards. But even if running isn’t your favorite activity, don’t be discouraged. Just keep moving and do what works best for you.
