Written on Sunday 23 Sep by Alex Kay
9 Reasons Running is Good for You
Running is good for you, right? At first I thought it was stupid. It was tough, you got sore, and I could find dozens of reasons not to run. But there are also a lot of reasons why running is good for you, and here are 3 of them.
Health
1. Bones
The human bones are made to accommodate the demands placed upon them. When just sitting all day long, at the office, in the car, in front of the TV, we allow our bones to grow weaker. But if you run regularly, they meet resistance, which will lead to stronger bones.
2. Heart
Getting your heart pumping a little faster for let’s say 30 minutes every day, and especially if you also include interval training is something your doctor, and not to forget you, will thank yourself for later. Training your heart and strengthening your cardiovascular system will lower your pulse while resting and sleeping; therefore also make you more fit to handle stress.
3. Balance
When running outdoors, you have to avoid and deal with curbs, dogs, stones, branches and other miscellaneous objects. These changes in direction and speed will strengthen your balance, so next time you stand in front of the door with 3 shopping bags and need to unlock your door with your key, this everyday manoeuvre will feel easier to handle.
Appearance
4. Posture
If you run the right way, you quite automatically will lower your shoulders, use your arms to help pumping energy into your running pace and tilt your pelvis a little forward. All of this will raise your head and prolong your spine. So instead of looking like some sad, bent slave at the office, you are now a runner with your eyes set at the horizon, always looking for a challenge.
5. Waistline
Running uses a lot of energy, and few other sports or activities are more efficient if you want to drop, let’s just say 10 pounds from your waistline. And especially if you include a few extra exercises while running, like suddenly running up a hill, or jumping over low fences parkour-style, you soon need to get down to your nearest mall for a new pair of trousers.
6. The sun
When running outside, naturally the sun will sometimes stop by and say hello, rewarding you with a healthy color, to match your new slim and fit you.
Psychological
7. Yes, I can!
Ok, I won’t lie to you. It’s not easy at first. You will experience a burning sensation in your chest (it’s your lungs getting surprised), possibly a new sort of pain in your feet and legs (wow, we have to work now!) and you might get a headache, a pain in your back – or easily said, everything in your body might protest against this new lever of activity. But after a few trips, your body will adjust, and what seemed impossible (run 15 miles? Are you nuts?) Will soon be something you can easily manage. The first time you reach the goal you have set, you will be surprised how you feel. Ever heard of “runners high”? Get out there and experience it for yourself.
8. I believe I can fly
There is something about running that just feels right. Something eternal, like being a tough Greek from ancient times, that could run for days, without even getting exhausted. Running means beating the normal pace of the city, and very few things feels better than beating the bus in regards of getting from A to B – just watch those losers sitting stuck in traffic.
9. Endurance
Sometimes it will rain. Your foot might ache. You feel tired, and the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. But you still keep running, and after another dreadful 25 minutes you enter your destination and relax. So, tomorrow morning, when you have to wait a few extra minutes for the elevator, or the meeting drags on for an extra hour, who cares? I mean, remember yesterday evening. That was tough, this is nothing! You kind of take the sexy “who cares” attitude on you.
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I would agree with all the above but if you haven’t done it for a while, sneak up on your running lifestyle by walking on a variety of surfaces first to condition your muscles and joints. Then maybe try run-walk combinations as you build your capacity.
Nice to see someone writing about the positive aspects of running. I never thought I’d be able to run far, but can now run for 15k and not have any pain! It’s the best way to start the day and a great excuse for getting out and about!
Doyle that is a great idea, unfortunately not everyone is a born runner.
But I am sure everyone can become one!
And Suze, 15k sounds great, and you’re definately right about getting out and about; once you’ve started running you suddenly see your part of town, or wherever you live, in a totally new light. When you run, you become much more aware of the things around you. Thanks for your comments guys!
Hi! Those are really good tips, nice article! I really enjoyed reading it. I’ll be checking your site more often ;)
Limitless
Alex:
Good post. I’ve taken up running for the last 11 months. When I started, I measured my workout in minutes; now I measure in miles. Everyone knows reasons 1 - 6 above, but not everyone appreciates 7 - 9. You’ve done a good job highlighting them.
I’ll leave you with a thought from Edward Stanley:
“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”
And a bonus from Thoreau:
“Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul the work of the soul, and good for either the work of the other.”
Eric Napier
http://www.quotationcollection.com
Hey Limitless, thanks a lot, and you’re welcome!
Eric, that sounds fantastic! Thanks, yes not enough people think about the Psychological benefits of running. Great quotes too!
Yep, \great article. I agree with everything in it although I’ve never ran myself for marathons or races. I like a beer and a good social life, but I’ve always balanced it with exercise, particularly running. I like to live, but I also like to be in shape to live, and running has always supplied me with the wherewithal to live. In fact, much of my life, especially times of emotional and psychological distress, were helped and even cured by running and I’m not afraid to admit that. I’ve t ried other forms of exercise but running is always the one I go back to, and I think it comes back to me, too.
ah, excellent post. it’s inspired me to start running again after slacking for years. thanks!
That’s great!
Hope it “works out” for you ;)
ya i really like this article i just graduated high school, and am planning on joining the army but i have to lose 35lbs first…it is 12:27 AM, and i just got done running 2 miles i think i will start running two miles everynight hopefully to lose that fat and look good with higher confidence! thanks alex i read the whole thing
I love to both run and worship the Lord at the same time. It’s really a great way to start the day, and it helps me to maintain the right perspective on the cares of this temporary world.
Hi,
For me running is a love/hate type thing … I love running intervals during my 2 and 3 mile runs, and when I’m done I feel sooo good and only another runner knows that feeling! Tony