Running has amazing benefits for the body and the mind. It is a great way to improve all-round health with a balanced approach providing physical benefits, improving mental well-being and improving mood.
A Balanced Approach to Your Running Routine
A balanced approach when starting a running routine is important. Without building up to it, just going out and attempting to run a long distance will result in sore muscles and a mental block to running in the future. Starting slowly, with short runs and at a measured pace, will facilitate steady improvement and allow the benefits to be more easily experienced.
Include Rest Days
Initially, mixing short durations of running with periods of walking will help to build up endurance. Establishing a running routine which includes rest days every other day will let the body strengthen and repair itself between exertions. Including a stretch session before every run will warm up muscles and prevent injury, but as with any new exercise regime, it’s important to consult a doctor if there are pre-existing medical conditions.
Remember Good Nutrition
Running moves the body and aids weight loss. If a running regime is supplemented by good nutrition and burns more calories than are put into the body, it can aid in weight loss and prevent obesity. Running helps to develop muscular strength which will support the metabolism and continue to burning calories after the run is completed. Adding a resistance or weight program to a running routine will aid faster weight loss as the body develops the lean muscle needed to boost the metabolism.
Running Fights Depression
Running increases blood flow around the body which increases body temperature while exercising. The post-exercise drop in body temperature produces better quality sleep and helps fight depression and increases vitality. The benefits the body gets from running actually helps to fight insomnia.
Running Prevents Heart Disease
Increasing blood flow around the body also has significant benefits to organs, and will improve heart health. Running challenges the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and strengthens the heart muscle. This reduces bad cholesterol, the main reason behind heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes, and decreases susceptibility to cancer and diabetes.
Running increases the amount of oxygen that is circulated around the body via the blood stream. When more oxygen reaches the brain, it provides nourishment which supports the growth and function of brain cells. This increases brain power, boosts memory and will also fight depression.
Running Make You Feel Better
Running also promotes the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain called endorphins and increased body temperature calms the mind and reduces stress. Running, therefore, has psychological and emotional benefits that will promote confidence, enable processing of concerns and improve coping skills. Improved blood flow also contributes to healthier skin; meaning running actually improves the appearance.
In additional to the muscular benefits, running also strengthens bones and joints. High impact activities have appositive impact on bone mineral density in legs and hips and will encourage healthy joints and bones. Running will reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and arthritis and can assist in improving bone density in women who already have osteoporosis.
Running has holistic benefits for an individual. It will improve the function of the body from bones and organs to muscles and skin, as well as having benefits for the mind. To read more about the benefits of running, visit and follow A Healthy Squeeze.