11 Important Benefits of Running

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated - Medically reviewed by Sarah Pledger (M.S., R.D.)

The health benefits of running include weight loss, a youthful appearance, prevention of muscle and bone loss, growth hormone enhancement, the prevention of stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. It also lowers high cholesterol level, improves blood clotting, boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and enhances mood.

Some of the health benefits of this form of workout have always impressed people living in different corners of the world. Running is considered one of the most effective and enjoyable exercises. Running is easy to perform, doesn’t require any practice or equipment, and can be performed by people from all different age groups. Running enhances physical health, cognitive health, and boosts cognitive performance. This is why running is preferred by scholars, and fitness freaks alike.

There are different variations of running, whether in the form of walking, jogging, or running. All of these forms are beneficial in their own way. The National Runners’ Health Study has proved that running can work in the direction of assuring good health, especially for women. [1]

Health Benefits of Running

A rough sketch of the different benefits offered by running was drawn in the introduction, but it is time to elaborate on them. Keep reading to learn even more about the amazing aspects of adopting running in your daily routine:

Weight Loss

People suffering from an accumulation of surplus fat on their body are among the most prominent lovers of running. This exercise helps to shed extra weight by burning fat and calories. Thus, a slim trim physique is easily gained with the help of running.

Delayed Aging

Running is helpful in postponing the effects of aging on the human body. Running is very good for reducing the pace of aging, which keeps a person physically young, while also keeping them mentally adept and alert as well. Running is also able to give enhanced circulation to the entire body, resulting in nourishing the skin and adding a healthy glow from head to toe.

Healthy Muscles and Bones

Running aids in reducing the loss of muscles and bones, which is a common problem that happens for a number of reasons.

The added mechanical stress that running puts on both the muscles and the bones provides a stimulus to promote both muscle and bone growth. This positive ‘stress’ that running puts on the body results in increasing bone density and increasing lean muscle mass. This is of particular importance to everyone as they age due to the natural losses that occur to muscle and bone mass.

A young couple going for a run in the park with their pet dog

Everyone knows that running is a great way to get into shape, but it also can benefit almost every part of your bod and lift your mood. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Improved Hormone Growth

Children and teens are advised by doctors to follow extensive exercise routine, that include jogging and running. This is because running plays an important role in enhancing the level of growth hormones, thus helping in the growth of an individual. Running is a dedicated exercise to increase your height, as well as your natural energy levels.

Healthy Heart

Running is a useful practice for keeping the muscular system and mental level at their highest efficiency. Running is considered as a great tool against diseases like strokes and heart attacks, which may damage the brain and heart. Running maintains the health and cleanliness of blood vessels, which carry blood to and from the brain, thereby fighting against strokes.

Diabetes Management

A run helps in maintaining a balanced amount of carbohydrates and sugar in the blood. This means that running can prevent terrible diseases like diabetes from developing. A good run burns the surplus amounts of sugar present in the blood, keeping the blood clean and better able to help you lead a healthy life.

Lowered Hypertension

Hypertension, or what is popularly known as high blood pressure, is reduced to a lower level by following a run. A run helps to maintain a number of factors that are responsible for high blood pressure. It maintains the blood pressure and keeps away the risk of various heart diseases, including atherosclerosis.

Balanced Cholesterol Level

It is a good exercise for controlling the level of cholesterol in the human body. Thus, it is known to control a number of cardiac disorders and maintain the normal functioning of the human heart.

Improved Blood Clotting

Running helps improve the process of blood clotting, which provides protection against a number of injuries. The process of quickly healing wounds is fueled by running in an effective way.

Boosted Immune System

Running is also well known for strengthening the immune system, thus making the body capable of fighting against a number of serious diseases and infections. Regular runners are popularly believed to possess stronger immune systems compared to other, less active people.

Stress & Mood Improvement

Running is not only a physical exercise. It also plays an important role in building good mental health. A person suffering from things like stress, depression, and mood disorders are often advised to follow a regular routine to enjoy the beneficial mental boost of running. Running or brisk-walking for just about 25 minutes during the day will help you kick away the bad mood.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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