Your first thought when it comes to running is probably: ugh, I will tomorrow.
However, running is one of the best type of cardio you can do for your entire body.
Here are a few ways running can benefit you:
- Improves your health: Running raises your levels of good cholesterol and helps increase your lung function and use.
- Prevents disease: It helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by helping the arteries retain their elasticity and strengthening the heart.
- Helps you lose weight: Running is the leading way to burn off extra calories, and one of the best forms for losing or maintaining a consistent weight.
- Relieves stress: Stress can cause many health and mood problems, but when you run your body is forced to exert excess energy and hormones.
While running is great for your body, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to start. Nevertheless, once you get started, and find a rhythm, you will most likely find yourself actually enjoying it. Running creates a release of endorphins that can cause euphoria (also known as runners high) or just a general sense of happiness. Want to learn to love it?
Here are some tips that can help you:
- Don’t start off too big:When you start running, take baby steps. Don’t try to run a 5K your first time out. Instead, start off slow and work your way up to longer distances and faster speeds. Listen to your body, and you will naturally fall into a rhythm that is comfortable for you. If you’re getting tired very early into your run, slow down!
- Make a playlist:
Make a playlist of songs that will motivate you. It will make your run go faster when you’re listening to something upbeat that keeps you going. It also allows you to predetermine the amount of time you will be running.
- Run outside:Running outside is a good way to get distracted and help time fly. You can also work different muscle groups by running different types of terrain. Once you conquer hills, you’ll be surprised how easy flats become!
- Get the right attire: When it comes to exercising, the right attire can make all the difference. Making sure you’re comfortable will help prevent you from quitting before you’re done.
- Remember you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
Overall, running has many health benefits. Even if you don’t see physical results right away, that doesn’t mean your overall health isn’t improving. Although running is a great form of exercise, that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. If it’s not for you make sure you are active in some other way to live a healthy lifestyle.
