Top Five Compelling Reasons to Embrace Running Five Days a Week
You might think the only reason to jog around the park or tackle the treadmill is to burn off those extra calories from last night’s indulgence at the bar. But, in reality, running has a ton of other great benefits. If you need some motivation to lace up those running shoes and make it a regular habit, here are five compelling reasons:
1. **Boosts Heart and Lung Health**
Running does wonders for your heart and lungs. When you engage in cardio exercises like jogging, your heart works harder to pump more blood to meet your body’s increased need for oxygen. This boost in blood circulation helps deliver oxygen-rich blood to your muscles. As long as you don’t have any heart issues, this process is super beneficial for both your heart and lungs.
2. **Delays Aging**
Staying active is linked to a longer life, while a sedentary lifestyle can speed up aging. Research from Stanford University School of Medicine found that older adults who run regularly tend to have fewer disabilities and live longer than those who don’t. In fact, running could potentially add up to 20 more years to your life!
3. **Builds Muscle**
Regular runners typically have less body fat and more muscle. Almost every muscle in your body, especially your legs, gets a workout when you run. This kind of exercise can help you shed excess fat and reveal a toned physique without you even realizing it.
4. **Strengthens Bones**
Running also benefits your bones and joints. It helps strengthen them, which is key in preventing osteoporosis—a condition that makes bones weak and prone to damage. Regular running is recommended to keep this bone disease at bay.
5. **Reduces Stress**
Feeling stressed from work or in need of a mood boost? Running is a fantastic stress-buster. It encourages the release of endorphins, which are known as happy hormones. These are related to serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Running gives you a similar mood lift to eating a chocolate bar, but it burns calories instead of adding them!
