Everyone who takes on an exercise program wants to know if it will have positive effects for them. Why would you do something difficult or arduous unless it stands to benefit you? We want to be sure that our time and effort will not go to waste.
But in the case of starting a running program, there is no danger of that happening. Here are 4 things you should know about the benefits of running:
Fresh air and sunlight
In modern times many office workers and other people spend much of their day indoors in artificial lighting in front of some type of screen. But much can be said about the benefits of spending time outdoors in fresh air and sunshine. Running is an activity which makes this possible.
You need Vitamin D for its essential role in regulating many bodily and metabolic processes. One of the best ways for you to obtain Vitamin D is by spending a certain amount of time in the sunlight each day, as the sun’s rays hitting your skin help your body to generate Vitamin D. This won’t happen if you stay indoors all day, but it will happen if you make a point to get outdoors for a run.
Weight Control
In recent times, the Western world has struggled with epidemic levels of obesity. This is caused in part by poor diets heavy in sugar and fast food, but also by lack of exercise. Many modern people live a sedentary existence which involves little movement of their bodies.
Running fixes this problem very quickly. In terms of cost-effectiveness, running is the fastest way for you to burn calories and maximize time spent exercising. Weight control is therefore one of the many benefits of running
Friendships
Yet another benefit of running involves the possibility of building long-lasting friendships with others who share your new-found hobby. Runners form a close-knit community, as can be seen at any major marathon race. At many big city marathons, cheering crowds line the roads shouting encouragement to the strangers racing by. In what other sport do we witness such a scene? Few others come to mind.
Many runners likewise volunteer their time helping at local road races, and running clubs exist in many cities and towns to help runners meet for exercise with like-minded people. Forming a part of this motivated community is another of the benefits of running.
Motivation
One of the keys to continuing any exercise program is to pick an activity which will keep you motivated to come back. It is difficult to inspire this motivation when facing the prospect of months of gym machine-based workouts. But it’s much easier to see yourself continuing with running. Spending time in the fresh air with training partners on a nice trail is a great motivator which makes it easy to continue running.
Running, a Sport of Many Benefits
The modern world seems busier than ever. Since you have only 24 hours in the day, it’s important that you take on only those activities which will benefit you and make the best use of your time. But as we’ve seen, running is definitely an activity which should be on your “to-do” list. It gives you time in the fresh air, with like-minded friends, helps you control your weight, and motivates you to continue a consistent exercise program.
Is running really as good for you as we make it out to be? Hit the pavement and find out for yourself!
