Why run? You shouldn’t need an excuse to get into a better health, but just for the sake of the argument, here are some of the very good reasons to grab for those running shoes and head out off the door for a run.
It’s Great for Your Heart
Running is a cardio exercise per excellence. It has many advantages to your heart health. According to countless research, running reduces blood pressure, rise good cholesterol levels, and helps you ward off heart related troubles. Running on a regular basis can even increase your blood volume by 10 to 15 percent, thus reducing demand on your heart.
Bullet-Proof Your Bones
According to the National Osteoporosis Society, fifteen minutes of jogging three times a week can help you prevent developing osteoporosis in later life by up to 40 percent. Not only that, running on a regular basis strengthens the bones of both older and younger runners, according to an Australian study published in the Journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
Makes You Look (and Feel) Young
Running is the ideal anti-aging strategy. According to a 21-year study at Stanford University, runners keep an active lifestyle for longer, encounter few disabilities and ward off the risk of an early death.
No More Belly Fat
Researchers at the Dublin University revealed that a 140-pound adult burns about 400 calories in a half an hour of running, compared with 280 calories while cycling and 270 while playing tennis. Meaning? Running burns mad calories and can help you shed the belly up to 40 percent faster.
Makes You Smart
Running boost brain activity by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery in the region, thus improving your memory, mental agility and decision making processes. In fact, subjects were found to complete mental tasks faster and more accurately after running, according to researchers at the University of Illinois.
Boosts Immunity
Running consistently makes your immune cells more active, thus pumping up their defenses against infections and diseases. According to a study at the University of California, people who ran for 15-minute five days a week took half as many sick days as sedentary people.
Boosts Sex Life
If the above benefits are not enough, this one will definitely get you. Female runners can postpone menopause by 2-5 years, while males have the sexual prowess of men two to six years younger and are less prone to suffer from erectile dysfunction problems, a study from Cornell University revealed.
It’s Free
Compared to other training programs, running is very convenient. In fact, its convenience is a big part of its appeal. All you need is a couple of decent shoes and off you go. So what you’re waiting for?