Of all the exercise regimes, running is probably the easiest to fit into everybody’s daily routine and age is no bar.
Advantages
- You don’t need to go to a gym,
- You don’t need space at home for exercise equipment,
- You can run anywhere, at any time and in any weather, except when there is a danger of ice, and
- You can wear any clothes.
- It’s free.
- It doesn’t matter whether you have not run for years, it is never to late to start so long as you have the use of your legs!
Disadvantages
- The only major expense is that you should get a good pair of running shoes
Let’s have a look at why running is so good for you. It is a great way to get into shape for the summer and to stay trim and fit the whole year through. Running is one of the most efficient ways of burning up calories and preserving muscle mass.
Even regular runners, when at rest, burn up more calories than non-exercisers at rest.
Running outdoors in the fresh air reinvigorates the mind as well as the body. You will find that not only your physical energy levels will be enhanced but that you will enjoy a feeling of well being that is reflected in having a more positive mood.This is because as you run, the heart is pumping blood more efficiently around your body and your brain.
At the same time it is likely that your mind is at rest from everyday clutter, as you get absorbed into the rhythm of your running, resulting in mental refreshment.
Running is good for your heart as it reduces blood pressure, helps control body fat, can lower the risk of cancer and is excellent for maintaining bone density and lowering the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
It is one of the best exercises for toning and strengthening muscles and, ladies, you will be glad to know that are few better ways of keeping the bottom and thighs in great shape than a daily run.
If you feel a little hesitant about starting to run, perhaps have read somewhere that the jarring can damage the knees or cause other problems, or just feel that you have gone so far downhill physically that it may be dangerous to start any demanding exercise, now is the time to take heart!
You don’t have to flog yourself until you are ready to drop, a gentle start with a ten minute jog, and walking when you feel like it, can get the heart pumping a little stronger, the breathing a little deeper.
Keep it up for a week and then increase the jog by another minute or two or maybe just step up the pace a little.
As each week goes by increase the time and /or pace by a small amount, as rule of thumb about 10% each week and that way you will soon build up to an effective running regime that will avoid the possibility of overdoing the physical load before your body has time to adjust.
Your knees or ankles shouldn’t suffer as the supporting muscles will be gradually strengthening as you increase your run time but if you feel there may be a problem try to run on a softer surface than tarmac, grass is good, even if for only part of the time.
Try to vary your route, running along the same tracks day after day can become boring if that happens remember that “variety is the spice of life”.
No association intended but research in the US has shown that women who exercise three times a week were likely to enjoy better sex more often.
Finally studies have shown that regular jogging can increase the life span of men and that they are likely to have fewer illnesses as they get older.
Start running, enjoy life, live longer and feel good!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I thought males and females enjoyed sex more if they were fit. I remember years ago it was thought that running and exercise caused libido to fall. It is now established that it actually increases with exercise.
Where are my running shoes?
I ABSOLUTELY AGREE THAT RUNNING INCREASES THE LIBIDO, I’VE BEEN RUNNING FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND MY SEX LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER, ALSO THE INCREASE IN MY ENDURANCE IS OFF THE CHARTS. I AM LIKE THE ENERGIZING BUNNY……….
i went for jog,to stop 9 year old daughter going on at me put it off untill i couldnt take the constant mivering since going i decided its not as hard as i thought and enjoyed it so now i go every day and it really wakes up mind andbody.
im 18 and i've been running for a year. i run 8 1/2 miles every other day, and the doctors say my heart and lungs are made of steel and that they have never seen a kid my age with such great indurance. but will running this much wear out my knees???
Wear and tear could be an issue one day but if you are in contact regularly with your doctor and they approve of your running regime, just GO FOR IT
I would like to run but read about ‘long, boring cardio’ being bad for fat loss? I even heard that long-distance running is ‘bad’ and ‘unnatural’ for the body….? It’s be great if anybody could ease my concerns, because I really want to try running for weight loss.
Hi kev
I can only comment that I have yet to see a successful long distance runner who looks overweight. Clearly, to be a dedicated long distance runner is as much about eating a healthy and nutritious diet as the physical training involved.
In our opinion, and this would be our advice, in order to lose weight running and jogging is as good as any other exercise regime and should be coupled with a planned healthy diet. Drink plenty of water both during your run and for the rest of day, not only will this prevent dehydration but is of great benefit to the organs and to the cell structure of the skin.
One of the more publicised problems associated with running and jogging is foot and knee problems from the constant jarring. Be sure to get the best possible advice for footwear to suit your weight and age as well as the surfaces you expect to be running on.
Think about this. One reason fat is stored in the body is to be converted into energy when needed. To get the benefit of weight loss through running your food intake is critical. Do not expect the pounds to roll off, they won`t and it is important to remember that losing no more than two lbs a week over a period can cause dangerous health problems. Better to target one to one and a half pounds until you reach your desired weight.
I hope you enjoy your runs and that it helps you stay trim and toned.
hey … i have done running ….for a month and i found some changes in my body and mind……thanx for yours sugessations it really works……………………………