Workout Wednesday~~Benefits of Running

Good morning folks!!  Today is my favorite day for several reasons. 1 - it's Wednesday and that means that we're halfway through this work week. We all know that I'm just working for the weekend!!

And 2, Wednesday means that it's Workout Wednesday. And today just happens to be National Running Day!!

I run because I can, because of the sense of accomplishment I get from a good run. For me it's about the adrenaline rush, the thrill of it. But it's different for everyone. Today, for workout Wednesday and National Running Day, let's talk about the benefits of running.

Improve Your Health

Believe it or not, running is actually a great way to increase your overall level of health.  Research shows that running can raise your levels of good cholesterol while also helping you increase lung function and use.  In addition, running can also boost your immune system and lower your risk of developing blood clots.

Prevent Disease

For women, running can actually help to lower your risk of breast cancer.  It can also help reduce the risk of having a stroke.  Many doctors today recommend running for people who are in the early stages of diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, and it is proven to help reduce the risk of having a heart attack.  By helping the arteries retain their elasticity and strengthening the heart, your chances of suffering a heart attack can be significantly reduced.

Lose Weight

Running is one of the best forms of exercise for losing or maintaining a consistent weight.  You will find that it is a leading way to burn off extra calories and that it is the second most effective exercise in terms of calories burned per minute, following only after cross country skiing.

Boost Your Confidence

Not all of the benefits of running are physical.  Running can provide an noticeable boost to your confidence and self-esteem.  By setting and achieving goals, you can help give yourself a greater sense of empowerment that will leave you feeling much happier.

Relieve Stress

Stress can actually cause a number of health and mood problems.  It can also diminish appetite and sleep quality.  When you run, you force your body to exert excess energy and hormones.  Running also helps to reduce your chances of developing tension headaches.

Eliminate Depression

When you are depressed, the last thing you likely want to do is to get up and go for a run.  Yet you will find that after only a few minutes of running, your brain will start to secrete hormones that naturally improve your mood.  In fact, there are few things in the world that can better or more rapidly treat depression than exercise such as running.
It may seem surprising to learn all of the different ways that running can improve your health, but the truth of the matter is that these are only a few of the many benefits that it can offer to your body.  Running really is incredibly beneficial to the body, mind, and spirit, and you will find that even short runs can leave you feeling more energized, more focused, and better able to enjoy all that life has to offer.

Jog Your Way to Better Health

Whether you’re a fair-weather runner, or a running enthusiast, it’s no surprise that jogging has proven health benefits. www.healthperch.com has created an infographic entitled “Jog Your Way to Better Health” giving even more weight to the argument for strapping on your running shoes every day – especially if you suffer from depression. Recent studies have shown that jogging increases levels of the “feel good” hormones and chemicals in your body, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.  In fact, jogging helps individuals recover from depression more successfully than with medication alone.17-20 million people suffer from depression each year. With an average age at onset of 32, Americans have a right to be concerned. However, simply increasing your activity level may be just the thing to help you overcome depression. The American Journal of Nursing found that exercising three or more times a week over 10-16 weeks, along with achieving 60%-85% of your maximum heart rate may show a benefit benefit in as little as four weeks. Be cautioned, however, that over-exercising may cause depression and anxiety. The key is to stay in the safe zone of 2.5-7.5 hours per week. This infographic also offers a number of different tips and tricks to help you get on track to becoming a happier, healthier you.

Ok, so there you go! Now, you've got numerous reasons to get up, get out and get moving!!  Be awesome today!!

Your friend,

Theresa

Why do you run??
How will you be celebrating National Running Day??