Health Benefits of Running: 5 Ways It Helps You Live Longer
It’s no secret that running is healthy. In fact, studies have shown that exercise can extend your life by several years! Whether you run for pleasure, to deal with stressful situations or for the health benefits, you might be wondering: what exactly are the benefits of running? You’ve come to the right place…
Top 5 Benefits of Running & Jogging
1. Stimulates bone formation
When we run the stress on our bones increases through repetitive loading.
If training is planned properly to avoid overload, the bones will adapt to this stress and get stronger. A good running technique, as well as proper recovery, is crucial. As you age, adapting to this stress helps prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.
Keep in mind:
The people already affected by osteoporosis need to check with their doctor to see which type of exercise is best for them.
2. Strengthens your heart muscles
The physical demands of running on your whole body increase your heart rate. The heart has to pump stronger and faster to keep up with the intensity of the activity.
Having a “fitter”, stronger heart leads to less cardiac strain both when you’re resting and when you’re active. A strong heart also improves your blood circulation and lowers your risk of high blood pressure.
Check out even more reasons why your cardiovascular system benefits from running.
3. Boosts your energy and metabolism
It’s not uncommon to feel energized and more alert right after a run. However, the biggest benefits lie in the long term effects. You will notice that better circulation and improved lung capacity make you fitter for everyday tasks as well!
While everyone burns fat differently (based on many factors), running can be a really great way to stimulate fat burn. High-intensity and low-intensity running have their own benefits for fat loss. If you want to lose weight, find out how to burn more fat during running.
4. Lowers your cholesterol levels
There are two kinds of cholesterol carriers in the body usually referred to as the “good” (HDL) and the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.
Research shows that moderate-intensity running activities are effective in increasing the “good” cholesterol, which, in turn, reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
To directly reduce the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol, it’s necessary to choose exercise with a higher intensity.
Keep in mind:
Your doctor will provide you with individual advice on how to use exercise to treat your specific health conditions.
5. Lowers your blood sugar levels
A lot of energy is needed to support the work of muscles during running. The sugar (glucose) in your blood is used to fuel the activity. As a result, running lowers your blood sugar level.
Studies show regular running can increase your insulin sensitivity and help prevent diabetes. Why? When you are more insulin-sensitive your metabolism is better at keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Tip:
On our blog you can find many helpful tips for your next run and a litte extra motivation.
Now you know 5 compelling benefits! What are you waiting for? Lace up your running shoes and go!
***
