Running has become one of the most popular sports among various groups. It is easy to do, requires no special equipment, and provides numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
Benefits of Running for Physical Health
Running is one of the simplest cardio exercises, suitable for individuals of all ages. Whether you're a child, teenager, or adult, running can be done anywhere and at any time.
Additionally, running offers a wide range of activities, such as relay races, short-distance runs, fun runs, and marathons. You can adapt your running routine to your preferences, abilities, and goals.
Running engages the entire body, which makes it particularly beneficial for physical health. Some of the physical benefits of running include:
Weight Loss
Running is a common choice for those aiming to lose weight. It helps burn a significant number of calories, even after you've finished running. The good news is that you can experience these benefits even when running at a low intensity.
If you're just starting with exercise, it’s advised to begin with low-intensity running that matches your current fitness level. As your body gets used to running at a higher pace, you can gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
Lowering the Risk of Heart Attack
Running is one of the best activities for heart health. When you run, your heart and blood vessels pump oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. This efficient circulation helps lower bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.
Moreover, consistent running strengthens the heart’s blood vessels, lowering the chances of experiencing heart-related issues like cardiac arrest.
Strengthening Muscles and Bones
Just like walking, running has been shown to boost bone density and help prevent osteoporosis. The constant movement of the leg muscles and bones while running strengthens bone structure.
When bones are consistently used, they regenerate better, reducing the risk of osteoporosis over time. Additionally, the leg muscles will also grow stronger as you increase your running frequency.
Lowering the Risk of Cancer
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that running can reduce the risk of cancer. The research concluded that individuals who engage in higher physical activity have a lower risk of cancer compared to those who remain inactive.
More specifically, the study noted that women who exercise, including running, face a 21% lower risk of endometrial cancer and a 10% lower risk of breast cancer.
Lowering the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Another key benefit of running is its ability to help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Running on a consistent basis helps manage blood sugar levels and keeps blood pressure within a healthy range.
Running not only boosts your mood but also offers numerous health advantages. If you're new to running, make sure to start with an intensity that suits your current fitness and health condition. Always remember to wear appropriate running gear and shoes, and don’t skip your warm-up before starting your run.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Chertoff, J. (2018). What Are the Benefits and Risks of Running Every Day?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/running-everyday#benefits
Better Health Channel. Running and Jogging-Health Benefits. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/running-and-jogging-health-benefits
Millard, E. (2021). Running: What Is It, Health Benefits, How to Get Started, and How to Get Better. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/running/?xid=tw_everydayhealth_sf
Luff, C. (2022). How to Start Running. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/how-to-start-running-the-absolute-beginners-guide-2911191