With all the different forms of exercise out there, why run? For me, it was a simple choice of economics, as I could save money by replacing my gym membership with a treadmill and a pair of moderately priced running shoes. Others who run, do so for different reasons.
While running is easy to learn and fairly inexpensive, it also benefits the runner’s mental outlook. Basically, what is good for the body is good for the mind, and psychologically speaking, running has a lot to offer!
The next paragraphs are going to highlight the health benefits of running.
Mental benefits
How running improves your health, and the mental benefits of running.
Running reduces stress by boosting levels of serotonin in your brain and creating a more positive mood.
Self esteem is improved and goals are achieved through running. Runners realize a greater sense of self-reliance and accomplishment. In other words, running provides an individual with an all natural, drug free, power-packed ego boost!
Running fights depression with the brain’s release of beta endorphins. These are neurotransmitters made in the pituitary gland that can reduce pain, boost the immune system, and bring a greater sense of well being. These “miracle” compounds have eighty times as much pain-easing effect as morphine.
Runners can enjoy a sense of freedom, by forgetting about troubles and feeling the wind in their hair. They can control their own destiny, as they alone make the decision to run as fast and as far as they want!
Running sharpens focus and improves mental stamina, by giving circulation a boost and increasing the flow of blood to the brain!
Physical benefits
In addition to the psychological benefits, running has so many physical benefits that it is hard to know where to begin.
As mentioned earlier, running helps to keep weight under control. With the exception of cross-country skiing, running burns more calories than any other physical activity!
Cardiovascular health is greatly improved through running by increasing your heart rate and working the heart muscles on a regular basis.
Running can increase HDL levels, which improves overall cholesterol in the body.
The immune system gets a boost through running with an increase in white blood cells. These are the fighter cells in the body, which can combat the early stages of diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Active lifestyle 