Spring has sprung, so why not run?

Everyone has their own ideas about what is considered a healthy exercise routine and what is not. One form, which is probably the cheapest form out there, is running. Running has its own reputation, but there are many misconceptions about whether or not it is beneficial.

Running is one of the easiest forms of exercise. Simply strap on shoes and head outside (or to a treadmill) and start running (or walking). Many people try to complicate this by fancy apparel, lights, water bottles, iPods, etc. But ultimately it does not matter what you have. I read an article a while ago about a homeless Frenchman who wanted to run the Paris marathon and he did not have running shoes or the means to buy any. So he decided to “forage” for some running shoes and found his lucky pair in a dumpster. He ran the entire 26.2 miles (and then some) in these ragged ‘garbage shoes’ someone had thrown away.

So what does running do for people? Why do some people hate it and others love it? That is still up for debate; however, here are six benefits of running:

1) Improve your health — Running can raise you levels of good cholesterol while helping increase your lunch function.
2) Prevent Disease — Running can help reduce your risk of having a stroke. By helping the arteries retain their elasticity and strengthening the heart, chances of having a heart attack are greatly reduced.
3) Lose Weight — Running is one of the best forms of exercise to lose or maintain weight. It is the second most effective exercise in terms of calories burned per minute.
4) Boost your confidence — By setting and achieving goals, you can give yourself a greater sense of empowerment that will leave you happier.
5) Relieve Stress — Running forces your body to exert excess energy and hormones. Running helps reduce your chances of getting tension headaches.
6) Eliminate depression — Your brain will start to secrete hormones that naturally improve your mood. There are few things that can more rapidly treat depression than exercise, such as running.

Running is also beneficial to your body, mind and spirit, and even short runs can leave you feeling more energized, more focused, and better able to cope with life.

How much is too much?

Some people feel strongly that the longer you are performing an exercise (or at the gym) the better it is for you. Unfortunately, studies show that is not always the case. In regard to running, scientists say that less is, in fact, more. Jogging one to 2.5 hours per week is most ideal for reducing mortality rather than running three, four, or five miles a day. It is suggested to jog at a slow to moderate pace — about five miles per hour; or a 12-minute mile pace.

Running is incredibly effective at making you healthier in a number of ways. While it may not be everybody’s favorite form of exercise, knowing what it can do for your life just may make you look at running in an entirely new light.

*Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.