Out of all the exercises out there, running is one of the most popular, along with walking and jogging. The thing that makes running an appealing activity for many is that you can do it anytime and anywhere. You can also do it in groups or do it solo with your dog. Best of all, you don’t even need to invest in any exercise equipment to perform this activity. As long as you have a pair of running shoes, then you’re good to go.   

But even with its popularity, many people tend to exclude running from their workout routine. Maybe because it’s too tiresome, or they don’t like the idea of sweating and panting, or simply because there’s nothing that’s motivating them to do it at all. Whatever the case, avoiding running for the rest of your life means your body and overall health are missing out on so many benefits.  

Whether you’re a regular or an occasional runner, running can change your life in so many ways. Here’s how running can improve your personal health and wellness, which might motivate you to finally start running and get used to it.

Running Extends Your Lifespan  

According to research, running can increase your lifespan. That’s because the more you run regularly, the healthier your body will be. You become more physically fit because this exercise helps lower cholesterol, strengthens bones, lessens body fat, and regulates hormone production. While you can also reap these benefits from other forms of exercise, no other activity such as this can give all these benefits at once.

So, if you’re hoping to have a longer, healthier, and better quality of life, now’s the time to include running in your daily routine. Meanwhile, if you’re new to running and don’t want to surprise your body by running five miles at once, you can start learning running at home by using an app like the one at 28 by Sam Wood and other available apps for running exercises. Remember, it’s never too late to start running.

Running Promotes Sleep

Numerous nights of poor sleep can take a toll on your health and wellness. That’s why plenty of health and wellness articles always emphasize the importance of sleep. One way to help you achieve deep slumber every night is by running regularly. When you run during the day, it tires your body, leading you to sleep faster at night. However, make sure you don’t schedule your run at a later part of the day or, worse, at night. That’s because when you run, your body releases endorphins, which will keep your brain active, making it harder for you to sleep.

Running Helps With Your Weight Loss Goals 

Unlike other activities, running requires your entire body to participate and move. As a result, you’re burning more calories than you know which makes it easier for you to achieve your weight loss goals. That’s why fitness trainers always recommend that their clients include running in their workout routine if they’re serious about losing weight. Sit-ups, curl-ups, or squats may tone your muscles and form your abs, but nothing can burn your calories more than running.  

However, in order to achieve consistent and better results, you need to run as regularly as possible. This may take some time and effort, but seeing your desired weight on the weighing scale will surely make it all worth it.

Running Improves Your Mental Health

Besides all the physical benefits, running can also do wonders for your mental health. When you run, it improves blood flow in your brain and increases the production of endorphins, which are hormones that can relieve stress and put you in a better mood. Furthermore, some runners even consider running as their own form of meditation. That’s because running separates them from any stressful thoughts as they focus more on their breathing, their running playlist, or even the outdoor view they pass by. So, if you’re not into yoga, you can use running as your form of mental exercise and meditation.

Running Promotes Knee And Back Health 

This may sound ironic, considering that you’ve heard some rumors saying that running is harsh for your joints. But the truth is, it only depends on your surgical history (if you’ve done some knee or back surgeries before) and your family history. Otherwise, running is actually good for your knee and back health. Running will strengthen your bones and keep your leg and back muscles strong, eventually lowering your chances of experiencing knee and back pains as you age.

Running Enhances Cognitive Function 

Another way that running improves your health and wellness is by enhancing your cognitive function. Every time you run, your blood flow and heart rate increase, which means more oxygen and nutrients are transported into your body, especially your brain. A healthy brain can also decrease your chances of cognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, which is prevalent among senior adults.

Run For A Better Life 

Overall, running brings nothing but better health and wellness for life. Don’t worry, you don’t need to pressure yourself into running five miles every single day to enjoy these benefits and have better health. After all, running isn’t easy, especially if you haven’t run for a long time. So, start small, pace yourself, and enjoy the run.