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The Benefits of Running: Why You Should Start Today

·4 mins
beginner health

I have been running for almost a decade and it’s often someone asks me what’s the benefit of running, why they should run, or what I enjoy in running. Today I will dive further into this subject and why you should start running today.

Improving your fitness #

Running is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, which means the health of your heart and lungs.

By getting your heart pumping, running can help strengthen your heart muscle and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, running can increase your lung capacity, allowing you to take in more oxygen with each breath and improving overall respiratory health.

Whoever invented the expression “easy breathy” must have been a runner.

Losing weight #

Running is a great way to burn calories and lose weight.

According to research*, running burns more calories than most other forms of exercise, and regular running can lead to significant weight loss over time.

On top of it, running can help you maintain a healthy weight by boosting your metabolism and reducing the risk of obesity.

Personally, this is not the reason why I run, but this is the reason why I can eat as much as I do.

Reducing stress and anxiety #

Running can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.

Maybe you are not subject to stress or anxiety, so let’s call it finding a “mental balance”.

When you run, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

It’s often that I go for a run when I feel mentally exhausted when I need to take a break from work, or just to clear my mind.

Running can also help boost your confidence and self-esteem, as you set and achieve goals related to your running performance.

Connect with people #

Running can also be a great way to connect with others and build a sense of community.

Whether you join a running group or simply find a running buddy, running can provide an opportunity to socialize and build relationships with others who share your interests and goals.

If I started running alone, I got a chance to join a different running community, which allowed me to meet amazing people, make great friends, and even travel with them for running races.

Build consistency #

Running can help to cultivate patience. Running is a discipline that requires consistency, dedication, and a willingness to push through challenges and setbacks.

Patience is my strong suit, and I enjoy the challenge that requires consistency. It wasn’t always the case, but when I started my very first run, it was hard, but it was part of the journey. To be better, I had to be consistent.

By committing to a regular running routine, you can develop a sense of patience and resilience as you work towards your goals. This is something you can leverage in another area of your life. How many times have you heard “This is not a sprint, this is a marathon?” when talking about a work project?

Accessibility #

Another reason I enjoy running as a sport, it’s because it’s accessible. You don’t need a crazy amount of equipment to start, only a pair of comfortable shoes and a safe place to run and you are ready to go. Some even go without shoes.

Whether you prefer to run outdoors or on a treadmill, running can be adapted to fit your schedule and fitness level.

Running can also be a great way to explore new places and enjoy the outdoors, making it a fun and engaging form of exercise. I have been running in many places during holidays and other trips, to discover a city, or to explore a neighborhood.

Conclusion #

In conclusion, the benefits of running are numerous, from reducing stress and improving your fitness, running is a simple and accessible form of exercise (with walking). It can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. So why not lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement today?

If you don’t know how to start, the best way is to get ready and run your first kilometer.