5 Reasons To Start Running Today

R unning is one of the most natural and beneficial exercises that we can perform. It is a versatile and inexpensive exercise that can be performed almost anywhere. The results from a good running regime can be extremely positive to our physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

Whether you want to shed some unwanted body weight, get outside more often, try something new or boost your functional fitness levels, taking up running may be just what you need.

Still not convinced about grabbing your running shoes? Then please read on as the following five compelling reasons should change your mind about taking up running!

Running enhances your health

Probably the biggest benefit of running is that it is excellent for your health. It is a superb method of strengthening and conditioning your cardiovascular system especially your heart. We all know that the heart pumps your blood around the body but running improves the efficiency of blood flow to your vital organs and working muscles. Running helps to maintain or reduce your blood pressure which is a major advantage considering that ‘hypertension’ or high blood pressure is a main catalyst for coronary heart disease, artery damage, strokes and kidney failure.

In addition running is a weight bearing exercise which boosts your bone density and helps to defend the body against osteoporosis. There is evidence to suggest that running can also boost your immune system so that it can fight off bacteria and viruses more effectively.

Weight loss

Running is an excellent way to burn fat; keep your waistline in check and it also reduces the bad cholesterol in your body which again are big factors in cardiovascular disease. Think about this for a moment running is a cardio exercise that burns a significant amount of calories. For instance, a 150 pound or 68 kg person can actually burn 100 calories for every 1 mile that they run!

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Stress relief

Going out for a run is probably the best way to unwind after a long stressful day. When running, your body actually releases endorphin, a type of neurotransmitter that heightens and elevates your mood — you may have heard of this feel good effect often referred to as runner’s high. Running allows you to get away from stressors in your life and without any distractions, allowing you the head space to rationalize things more effectively!

Research indicates that people who exercise regularly are usually happier than those who don’t and running is a great cure for mild depression. Again this is related to the increase in the endorphins that are associated with running.

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Boosts your energy levels

When in the running groove you will start to notice a boost in your energy levels. Without any exercise you will feel sluggish but running can help make daily movements seem less arduous. In a nutshell you will be performing daily activities with far less effort because your cardiovascular system will be adapted and finely tuned to work more effectively.

Running also enhances the quality of your sleep and this has a major impact on your vitality, energy levels and general well-being. There is research to suggest that runners who run in the morning have improved energy levels throughout the whole day.

Improves your self-esteem

Once you have finished a run you will feel a sense of accomplishment and achievement. This is in itself a huge self-esteem boost. Plus after some time and effort you will start to see some amazing results in terms of the transformation of your body and mind-set.

Setting a specific goal such as running a 5K race or even a marathon and then accomplishing it is again a massive moral and confidence boost. This is an excellent motivational strategy because motivation and self-esteem have a close relationship with one another. To sign up for running events in Nigeria, visit www.truppr.com.

After some time and effort you will become faster, fitter and stronger and this combined with all of the emotional, social physical and mental benefits will improve your self-esteem dramatically.

Meet new people

‘Birds of a feather flock together!’ This is the same for running because you will meet people who have a similar interest to you. Granted that some people enjoy the solitude of running on their own but you will be surprised how big the running community actually is.

Finding a running buddy or group is an excellent way of developing your sense of community and setting goals together is a great way of staying motivated. Sharing your obsessions and celebrations with other people can help you to stay focused and to overcome any obstacles that turn up. You will surprised how running in a group can make you more determined and this has a strong relationship with improving your overall fitness levels. To connect with supportive runners near you, the Nigerian Runners Facebook group is a great place to start!