Running is a universal form of exercise embraced and practiced by millions of people all around the world. Arguably one of the best benefits of this exercise is that you don’t need any at-home weights or a fancy gym membership to just go outside and start running. 

Now, what’s all the hype about running? Why do you always see people out at parks or around your neighborhood going for a jog? Because it’s an amazing form of exercise with great health benefits for your body!  

Physical Benefits

1. Cardiovascular Strength: Running and jogging is an aerobic exercise, and you’re working out both your heart and lungs while doing so. This will also lead to a lower resting heart rate, lower bad cholesterol in your blood and lower blood pressure. You don’t need to run an obscene amount of miles every day to get these benefits, either. Those who just run a couple of minutes a day decrease their risk of cardiovascular death by 58 percent. If you have a hard time running, you can still give your heart a workout by jogging or walking.

2. Bone Strength: Running has proved to increase your bone mass and prevent age-related bone loss. This exercise helps build up your bones and joints. While the repeated contact between the ground can be harder on some people’s knees, running has been proved to assist in knee strength as well. 

3. Weight Loss: Just like other forms of exercise, running burns calories while working out. The additional perk about running, though, is you can continue to burn calories even after you stop. The “afterburn” continues to burn calories after your run. 

Mental Benefits

1. Boosts Your Mood: Running releases endorphins, which then trigger a positive feeling in your body. The chemicals released after any exercise improve your mood and decrease anxiety and stress. You get a boost of energy and self-esteem and your sleep also improves. Running can set into motion a continuous cycle of improving different facets of your mental health.

   

2. Staying Sharp: Running or maintaining a regular exercise routine has proven to keep your mind mentally sharp. If you had an accident or stroke, running and regular exercise has also been shown to improve your recovery and brain function. 

3. Extending Life: Studies have shown that running or participating in daily exercise can help you live longer. This also coincides with other life choices you’ve made or health issues you might have encountered such as smoking and drinking. Along with exercising regularly, it’s also important to eat healthy and take care of your body.

All in all, the benefits you can get from running, jogging, or walking are extremely important to your physical and mental health. With each of these workouts, you can also go at your own pace. You don’t need to be someone who runs a marathon every year (although very impressive if you do). All that matters is you set aside time in your daily routine to take care of your body. If you run or jog just 30 minutes a day, you will see many improvements and health benefits in your life.