Five Ways Running Can Help You

By Al M. Kind

Running has exploded dramatically during the recent years. Millions of Americans now run regularly for fitness and health reasons. In fact as much as 5% of the US population runs regularly every year.

Millions of people must have something they like about running. After all running is a sport viewed as “difficult” and requiring “mental toughness.” As all runners know running can actually be relaxing if not even calming. Listed below are ways how running can help you as listed by runners of all ages and experience.

Running Reduces the Risks of Heart Attacks

Baby boomers often get a treadmill to run after being warned by the doctor to exercise or die. The increase in strength of the heart of a person just starting to run can be dramatic. This is especially true if the new runner lived a previously sedentary life.

The heart will eventually beat less strenuously as the runner increases in experience. This will lead to lowered blood pressure levels and a stronger more flexible heart.

Running Makes You Lose Tons of Weight

There is no doubt about it. Running is the absolute fastest way you can lose weight. Combined with a proper balanced diet running can seriously make you lose dozens of pounds in an amazingly short time. It is not uncommon for people to lose 30 pounds a month just by adopting a regular early morning running schedule.

Running Strengthens your Cardiovascular System

Most overweight people have trouble breathing. Also their hearts have a difficult time getting blood to flow all over their bodies. Running is a perfect way to make the heart stronger and with actually less effort.

Most people who are overweight never really tax their lungs. Often they are filled with fluid because air never really gets inhaled at proper volumes. Running can train your lungs and supporting structures to get air in and out fast and quick. This results in better breathing and increased capacity to take in oxygen.

Running Improves Your Performance at Work

Some people running solely for the edge it gives them while at work. The increase metabolism the runner experiences throughout the day will allow him to maintain a superior work rate. Actually studies have actually been done to measure the effectiveness of runners compared to non-runners in the work place. Runners dramatically improved their efficiency compared to non-runners.

A lot of runners also feel groggy if they had not had an early morning run. Some attribute this to the lack of blood flow to the brain when a morning run is missed. Whatever the reason is it is clear that mental capacity can be enhanced by running first thing in the morning.

Running Improves Confidence and Your Ability to Deal with People

The combination of all the first four items above makes a runner a very healthy and vibrant. This leads him to less mood swings and a cranky attitude. Aggression is minimized in men as they already have been released through exercise.

This creates a well balanced and confident person who does not have a hard time fitting in at work, school or with his or her family. Running can help you is so much more ways than listed. Running regularly is one of the best investments a person can make to his over-all well being.

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