Running Brings out the Best of Us

One of the most common questions that arise in our mind is the comparable effect of running with other methods of physical training, like exercises, aerobics, yoga, etc. The most important point with running, as well as other forms of physical training is either you like them or you hate them. For certain people, these activities could even be a love-hate relationship.

To some people, running appears to be tedious, exhausting, and painful. Let us first analyze why we want to run. Normally, running is undertaken as an exercise to lose weight or to tone up the leg muscles. However, the benefits of running do not there. The overall improvement in the physical health is the biggest outcome of running. Very few people realize that the lifestyle of a runner is unique in several ways. It is high time we ponder how running brings out the best in us.

Initially, most people start running to lose extra weight that they had accumulated or to maintain their present weight without putting on more weight. It is widely accepted that running is one of the best processes for fat burning. Studies reveal that running is able to burn more calories every minute, compared to all other types of cardiovascular exercises. Only cross-country skiing had been found to burn more calories than running. Cross-country skiing would not be possible for all of us and hence the second best choice is running, which could be practiced where we are without any strain or additional expense.

Our bones become weaker if we do not provide regular activity to them. Working in front of a computer is one sure method of weakening the bones. Running helps all the bones to remain healthy. Running is a high-intensity exercise if done regularly and it keeps not only the bones but also all the parts inside our body young and in good shape.

Aging is controlled by running. Further, running promotes the natural growth hormone inside us. Celebrities spend thousands or millions of dollars in hormone injections to retain the young look but you could achieve it without spending any extra money through running.

Further studies had revealed that running limits risks of breast cancer and stroke. Doctors usually advise people in early stages of diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis to take up running as a treatment option. Since running enhances the elasticity of the veins and arteries, making them expand and contract about three times more than normal. This strengthens the heart and blood circulation, while lowering problems of blood pressure.

Additionally, running improves the use of our lungs by 50%, which goes to waste otherwise. Running also leads to increase in the HDL (good) cholesterol levels in our body, leading to less blood clotting risks. The creation of lymphocytes or white blood cells that fight diseases in higher concentrations in our body gives us more immunity.

From the above points, it would be clear that running definitely brings the best out of us. When our bones and internal organs become strong, when blood circulation and good cholesterol levels increase, and when immunity and overall health of the body improves, running should be accepted as an exercise that tunes our body to the maximum. It enables us to be fit enough for undertaking our daily activities with more vigor and enthusiasm.

Cheers