If you’re tired of your sedentary lifestyle and want to start doing something active and healthy, consider signing up for a 5Km run. Not only will running help you burn calories, improve your cardiovascular health, and strengthen your muscles, but it also offers plenty of other benefits that you may not have heard about before. Here are some amazing benefits of running that you never knew existed!
1) It Relieves Stress
Running is a great way to relieve stress. It gets your heart rate up and releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
Additionally, it gives you time to clear your head and focus on something other than whatever is causing you stress.
And, of course, it’s a great way to get some exercise, which has countless benefits for your physical and mental health.
It’s good for weight loss: When we exercise, our bodies release chemicals called catecholamines that increase the metabolic rate.
2) It Provides a Release for Anger and Frustration
Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel like you could punch something? Well, instead of taking your aggression out on inanimate objects (or worse, people), go for a run!
According to a study, running can be an effective way to manage anger and frustration. In the study, participants who ran on a treadmill for 30 minutes had lower levels of anger and frustration afterward than those who didn’t exercise.
They also reported feeling less stressed, more relaxed, and better able to deal with the situation that caused their bad mood.
At least that’s what a survey conducted by Runner’s World found. The respondents reported feeling more confident about their work after they exercised as well as feeling more energized while they were working
3) Reduces your Risk of Heart Disease
One of the most significant benefits of running is that it can help lower your risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like running, five days a week can help reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 30 percent.
And the more you run, the greater the benefit. Regular running can also help improve your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
It can also lower your risk of stroke, colon cancer, and breast cancer. Running strengthens your bones: As we age, our bones start to weaken because of lack of use, but according to Harvard Medical School’s website Harvard Health Publications, running makes bones stronger partly because it forces them to bear weight in new ways.
It improves mental health: Not only does running make us feel better physically (like reducing pain from chronic conditions), but research has shown that exercise, in general, reduces depression symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms.
4) It Can be a Fun Way to Spend Time With Friends
Have you ever wanted to get in shape but didn’t know how to start? Or maybe you’re already in great shape but are looking for a new challenge.
Either way, running is a great option! Not only is it good for your physical health, but it can also have positive effects on your mental health.
Studies show that regular runners tend to be happier and more energetic than those who don’t run regularly.
It’s also a social activity- many people find that they make friends through this common interest or use the time to catch up with old friends while out on their run.
5) Running Can be Social
We all know the stereotype of the lone runner, out for a solo jog around the neighborhood. But running can be quite social!
Joining a running club or group is a great way to meet new people and make friends. And even if you prefer to run solo, you’ll likely find yourself waving and saying hello to other runners you see on your route.
6) You Can Run Almost Anywhere
You don’t need any fancy equipment to get started with running. All you need is a good pair of shoes and you can hit the ground running (literally).
You can do it almost anywhere. Whether you’re on vacation or at home, there’s always a place to run. It doesn’t matter if you’re up in the mountains or in your backyard, it doesn’t take much to go for a jog.
7) Working Out While Running Keeps You Focused
Not only does running give you a great workout, but it also helps to keep you focused. When you run, your body releases endorphins, which have been shown to improve focus and concentration.
Additionally, the rhythmic nature of running can help to quiet the mind and allow you to focus on the present moment. If you’re looking for a way to improve your focus, add some running to your routine!
8) Exercise Releases Chemicals in Your Brain that Make You Happy
Running is often seen as a chore, something we have to do to stay in shape. But what if we told you that running can make you happy?
These are endorphins and dopamine, which not only help fight depression but also stimulate the production of natural painkillers called opioids.
Runners who run more than 30 minutes a day are less likely to develop chronic health conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Plus, according to Runner’s World, there are lots of other benefits from running such as it being cheaper than most other sports activities; it is accessible all year round; it has one low-cost requirement—a pair of shoes; and also, the fact that many runners find their running time very relaxing.
9) Not Everyone Who Runs is Fast
We’ve all seen the movie clichés where the hero or heroine is running away from something – usually an explosion.
And in every single one of those movies, the person running is always incredibly fast. But in real life, not everyone who runs is fast. Most people are pretty slow.
But that doesn’t mean that running isn’t beneficial. There are plenty of benefits to running that you may not even be aware of.
10) Long-Distance Running Makes You Smarter
Think running is just good for your legs and heart? Think again! According to science, running can make you smarter.
That’s right – regular long-distance running has been shown to increase the size of your hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning).
This means that not only will you be able to remember things better, but you’ll also be able to learn new things more easily.