| Why Jog or Run ? when you envision running, you probably will fall into one of two categories. Either you love it or you hate it; some times it is even a love/hate relationship. But what makes people love it? And what makes people who hate it keep doing it? It is likely that the benefits of running outweigh the hatred (if there is any hatred). There are as many benefits of running as there are reasons that runners run. It may be to lose weight or get fit. Perhaps they run to stay healthy and happy. It could even be a way to meet people or to complete with themslves or others in races. Whatever the case may be for each runner, the benefits of running can be broken down into 3 main categories : Health Benefits of Running from wanting to lose weight to trying to fight disease and aging, there are numerous health benfeits to running regularly. Mental Benefits of running Whaether to rrelive depression or find some time to think, there are large (and proven) psychological benefits to running as well. Community Benefits of Running Don't overlook the benefits of a community to turn to; the running community is very much a culture all its own. Health Benefits for Runners Running is one of the best activities most people can do to improve thier health. Running regularly can help with wight loss, fighting aging and disease, and with generally staying healthy. Many people start running in order to win the battle of the bulge. Whether they are obese ot just want to lose that last five pounds, or even if they just want to stay at the weight they are at, approximately 60% of runners start running to manage thier weight. Running is one of the top activites for burning fat. In fact running burns more calories per minute than any other form of cardiovascular exercise. Running regularly also has been proven to help fight the aging process. If prevents muscle and bone loss that often occur with age. Our bones are made to accommodate the demands placed upon then. By sitting at a computer all day many of us allow our bones to grow weaker, but by running regularl our skeleton gets the human growth hormone, which celebrities have taken injections of for years to keep them looking young. Amazingly running also helps to fight disease. Running reduces the risk of storke and breast cancer. Regular running has become a treatment option for doctors to prescribe to patients who are at high risk, or early stages, of osteoporosis, diabetes, and hayperension. It reduces the risk of heart attacks, by strenghtening the heart and lowering blood pressure. Running lowers lood pressure and maintains the elasticity of arteries incredibly well beause as you run your arteries expand and contract nearly three times as much as usual. Running also helps maintain and improve general health. It raises HDL(or "good") cholesterol, reduces the risk of blood clots, and encourages use of the 50% of your lungs that usually go unused. Running also boost the immune system by creating a higher concentration of lymphcytes ( white bllod cells that attack disease). As you can see, the health benefits of running are many and varied. But that alone isn't all that you can reap from running regularly. There are also many psychological benefits. Psychological Benefits Aside from the health benefits jogging or running imparts, there are also many psychological benefits to a regular running or jogging program. Some of these include the confidence and character that running builds, the stress relief, and the attitude boost. Oh, and let's not forget the runner's high. Running builds confidene like few other individual sports can. It allowes the runner to defeat trial after trial, growing stronger and more sure of themselves with each footstrike. It allows you to truly climb hills and clear obstacles. It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable. Confidence is even more a product of running for thoese who lose weight and gain a better self-image through running. stress relief is another huge benefit of jogging. Whether by allowing you the time to think about life's problems or time to escape hem for awhile, tension easily flies by the wayside as you fly over the miles. Distance runs are great for solving problems that are nagging at you. What better than a 3 hour run all by yourself to clear your mind and allow you to pin down and answer? Speed runs are great for tearing through aggression and anger. Focus all that emotion into a few sprinits and you'll feel better in no time. Aside from just the sress relief, jogging has also been proven to improve attitude. Running, especially outside and on trails, creats a release of endorphins that can casue euphoria(runner's high) or just a general sense of happiness. Running has been used for years to treat clinical depression, less fatigue, and less confusion are just a few of the changes that patient's have seen after beginning a regular running program. Running gives something for them to focus on, allowing them to see something besides thier depressed state or addiction. Along that line, running can help train the mind as much as it trains the body. By making yourself overcome the obstacles that running brings, you learn focuse and determination. The will and strength that gets your body through long runs or thoes runs you'd much rather skip is what in turn strengthens your mind and gives you focus and determination in other areas of your life. As you can see, the benefits of jogging affects the health of your body and your mind. But running still has more benefits to provide. The Running Community The benefit of a community and culture all your own is one of my favorite things about running. Competition, the friends, and the atmosphere of friendliness (even during competition) are all things that the running community can provide. Whether it be a miler or a marathon, the enthusiastic, welcoming atmosphere of most races is a welcome benefit of the running commuinty. Many races even have large parties after the finish, but most at leats have music (sometimes live) playing and food and drinks. All races have camaraderie though, and that's the most important aspect. whether you compete with yourself or others, whether you place or just try to finish, races can bring many benefits to individuals. There are also many clubs that are related to running and racing. Whether you go to a track club for a speed workout, a running club for a seminar, or a Hash House Harriers group for running mixed with beer, there is sure to be a group that caters to you and your goals. One of those benefits is friends. Race are great place to meet like-minded people. But the racing scene isn't the only way to make friends in the running community. Many people make friends through training. Whether they partake in a training program and meet other people or find them through ads at the local running store, training with people is a surefire way to meet runners and make friends. Another option is online forums. Many running sites offer forums to discuss running and meet other people who share your obsession, trials, and triumphs. As a runner, one often finds times when non-runners just don't get it. those are the times when forums full of other runners are a great alternative. People who understand you and your habit are one of the biggest benefits of the running community. Running can also be used as away to contribute to society as a whole. Whether you volunteer at a race or actually run it, many races benefit charities of one sort or another. From running a 5K for a cure to breast cancer to running a marathon for a cure to blood cancer, there are many ways to give back the running community and beyond. whether you look at the health, psychological, or communal benefits of running, one thing is obvious: Running is good for you. It has benefits for all. However, if you still think running isn't right for you, then you may want to consider walking, which is a great alternative to running and has many of the same benefits. |
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| Let's take a look in more detail at the real benefits people find they recive through running regularly. |
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