Do you want to change your life? If your answer is yes, then adopt running as a habit and move into a new life mode. Everyone knows that running has several benefits, but fewer people adopt running as a habit. The benefits of running are undeniable. Before skipping running, please think about the following unlimited benefits.
-
Running Increases Lifespan
Numerous studies reveal that running adds years to your life. Observations show that exercise is like a pill, but running is the most effective pill in the world. According to a 2018 meta-analysis, those who run regularly have fewer all-cause mortality factors than non-runners. It is the least expensive form of body treatment. If you run once a week, you will have better health than non-runners. Runner-specific research shows that running can add more than three extra years to your life.
-
Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep plays a major role in improving the health of athletes. During sleep, the body performs essential repair work. A book, *Good to Go*, highlights that sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and is supported by various positive factors. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins, exercise helps in improving the quality of sleep. The more you run, the more you need better sleep. If your sleep habits are poor, you will struggle to run regularly.
-
Running Removes Knee and Back Problems
Running helps alleviate knee and back problems, though many people don’t believe in this benefit. Recently, a study compared about 675 marathon runners who had a lower arthritis rate than the general American population. Running does not negatively impact the knee joint. Other research shows that running improves intervertebral disc spacing, contributing to better spinal health.
-
Maintains a Consistent Weight
Running burns more calories compared to other exercises. Even running at a slow pace can help you lose weight and maintain a proper body position. In addition to maintaining a consistent weight, running has multiple positive impacts on the body. If you are a regular runner, you will burn about 100 calories per mile. While losing weight can be challenging, proper running makes it achievable, with studies showing significant weight loss within six months.
-
Improves Immunity
Exercise scientists have studied the association between exercise and immunity for several years, uncovering positive findings, including the effects of diet on immune status. Their conclusion is that moderate exercise improves immunity, while ultra-endurance exercises may reduce immunity until recovery is complete. A 2019 paper reveals that running can enhance the body’s defense system, improve gut microbiota composition, reduce the risk of respiratory infections and influenza, and enhance the antibody response.
-
Lowers Cancer Risk
The American Medical Association published an original investigation that explained the link between exercise habits and cancer. According to this investigation, runners have a lower risk of developing about 26 different cancer types than non-runners. Running is an effective way to reduce the risk of cancer.
-
Effective Treatment for Mental Health and Depression
Running is an effective treatment for mental health issues, including reducing depression. It helps you feel better and boosts mental energy. A 2016 meta-analysis found that exercise reduces depression, is an effective form of psychotherapy, and is one of the best medical treatments. The *Handbook of Sport and Exercise Psychology* also highlights that running can treat mental disorders such as depression.
-
Improves Glucose Regulation
A high level of glucose leads to diabetes, an epidemic in Western countries. Diabetes reduces lifespan and disrupts the body’s physical systems. Running helps improve glucose regulation and prevents diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reveals that exercise prevents type 2 diabetes and promotes a healthy lifestyle. A recent report found that people who run have 72% lower rates of diabetes than non-runners.
-
Boosts Confidence
Running improves not only your physical health but also your confidence and self-esteem. With greater confidence, you can achieve self-empowerment and feel much happier overall.
Conclusion
Health is everything. If you want a healthy lifestyle, you must engage in exercises such as running. There are multiple benefits of running, and it can completely change your life. Before skipping running, consider the benefits mentioned above and take the first step towards a healthier you.
