The Unexpected Benefits of Running!

What Are The Benefits of Running?

There are many obvious benefits to running which I’m sure we have all heard before. But, often, those benefits aren’t really convincing enough to actually tie up the shoes and get on the road! Or the track… or the treadmill! There are more benefits to running than what originally meets the eye, some of them may even surprise you!

It Strengthens Your Body

Okay, so this one isn’t very surprising, but it’s important to know. Running helps to boost your respiratory system, lower your cholesterol, reduce risk of diabetes and overall enhance your heart health. 

‘If you could put exercise into a pill, it would be better than most drugs a doctor could give you’

Helps You Live Longer

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health found that running for 75 minutes per week can add a solid 12 years onto your life!* That is massive increase in years

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Get Your Beauty Sleep

For some people, a moderate run can feel like the equivalent of a sleeping pill, even for people who struggle with bouts of insomnia. Moving around five to six hours before bed time raises the body’s core temperature. When the body temp drops back to normal a few hours later, it signals to the body that it’s time to wind down and relax.

Reduce Risk of Cancer

Whilst running obviously can’t cure cancer, plenty of research suggests that it can significantly reduce the risk of getting cancer. A study published in Cancers (Basel) found that those engaged in regular exercise have up to 70% lower risk of developing cancer. 

Running helps reduce the risk by helping to lower BMI, but also through the modulation of hormones, inflammation, the immune system, digestion and metabolism. 

Keeps Your Mind Active

It goes without saying that there are physical benefits of running, anyone can figure that out! But you may be surprised that there are significant psychological benefits too! Adults, especially over the age of 50 who take up aerobic exercise benefit from better cognitive function and improved blood flow to the brain! 

Whilst it can’t prevent or ‘cure’ things like Alzheimer's, it may help boost the brain’s ability to minimise and slow cognitive decline that begins after age 45. Even before then, working out between between 25 and 40, boosts chemicals in your brain that support and prevents degeneration of the hippocampus, and important part of your brain for learning and memory.

Improve Your Mental Health

If you’ve ever noticed that you felt more relaxed or calm after a run, then you’re not alone! Running is repeatedly cited as one of the best activities that help to lift mental loads and reduce the feeling of stress and anxiety.

There is science behind that too! When you run, endorphins and serotonin are released into your body, which are chemicals that improve your mood. Studied show regular running at a moderate or vigorous pace can overall improve your mental health outside of the track!