RUNNING AND JOGGING

Reasons running is good for you!

With so many people missing their usual gym session or fitness class, many people have taken to using their allowed time outdoors to start doing more walking.  With lots of runners out on the streets you’re maybe thinking you’d like to give it a try but don’t know where to start, think it looks too hard or can’t possibly be good for your joints?

There are also a lot of reasons why running is good for you

1. Bones

The human bones are made to accommodate the demands placed upon them. When just sitting all day long, at the office, in the car, in front of the TV, we allow our bones to grow weaker. If you run regularly, they meet resistance, which will lead to stronger bones.

2. Heart

Getting your heart pumping a little faster for let’s say 30 minutes every day is something your doctor, and not to forget you, will thank yourself for later. Training your heart and strengthening your cardiovascular system will lower your pulse while resting and sleeping; therefore also make you more fit to handle stress.

3. Balance

When running outdoors, you have to avoid and deal with curbs, dogs, stones, branches and other miscellaneous objects. These changes in direction and speed will strengthen your balance, so next time you stand in front of the door with 3 shopping bags and need to unlock your door with your key, this everyday manoeuvre will feel easier to handle.

4. Posture

If you run the right way, you quite automatically will lower your shoulders, use your arms to help pump energy into your running pace and tilt your pelvis a little forward. All of this will raise your head and elongate your spine.

5. Waistline

Running uses a lot of energy, and few other sports or activities are more efficient if you want to drop, some pounds from your waistline. Mixed in with some resistance training each week it’s a perfect way to tone up.

6. Sunlight and fresh air

A dose of vitamin everyday is good for bone health.  Vitamin D is a hormone that promotes calcium absorption and is essential for bone growth and formation.   Since sunlight is a primary source of Vitamin D, the hormone is sometimes dubbed as ‘the sunshine vitamin”.   Vitamin D is also a really important vitamin for our bodies and our brains. It helps our brains to release chemicals which improve our mood, like endorphins and serotonin.

7. Endurance

As time goes on your muscles will develop more endurance.  They’ll become more efficient at using energy and you’ll find you can go further and have more energy to do everyday tasks.