The Benefits of Running

       There are enormous benefits to running regularly.  As you age, your body will start to deteriorate, and exercise can help slow that aging process.  It’s impossible to list all of the benefits of running, but here are a few which really stand out. 

-         Increase and maintain bone density- Weight bearing exercise stimulates osteoblast activity (bone-building cells), increasing your bone density.  Increased bone density decreases risk for injury, osteoporosis, spine complications, and other health conditions.

-         Improve the efficiency of your heart- Increase your stroke volume and lower your heart rate.  A lower resting heart rate decreases the stress and wear on your heart, potentially increasing the life of your heart.

-         Lose weight- There’s no shortcut or magic potion when it come to loosing weight.  It all comes down to calorie balance.  You need to burn more calories than you consume, and the best way to do that is a combination of consuming less calories and burning more calories.

-         Build muscle mass- You won’t get huge, but your back, shoulders and legs will become much stronger.  More muscle mass means an increased basal metabolic rate, decreased injury risk, and a healthier cardiovascular system.

-         Increase oxygen flow to the brain- You will think clearer.  It is interesting to note that in collegiate sport studies that runners often have the highest GPAs.  Now, running is not the only factor which plays into this, but you will have a clearer mind.  A nice jog is a great way to clear your mind and do some thinking.  Some of my best thoughts have come while I was running.

-         Increase your energy-  When you feel sluggish or tired, you still have plenty of energy stored in your body.  Your body just isn’t mobilizing it very efficiently.  When you run, you activate that physiological system and it becomes more efficient.  It may not make sense that when you exercise you have more energy, but try it, you’ll see.

-         Enjoy your surroundings-  The best way to enjoy the fall colors, majestic skyline, or the coast is to jog though them.

-         Make some friends-  Running is a great way to make friends.  Run with people you already know, but also look around- there is probably a near-by running club that meets often to run together.  Don’t worry; running clubs are full of a variety of people- the elite runners and those who are just starting.  Don’t worry about being embarrassed because you are slow or out of shape- you’ll usually find someone at your level to run with and receive great support.

-         Lower your risk of diseases- Exercise can lower your risk for many diseases- diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, even cancer!