There are many benefits to long-distance running, for example, improved health and fitness, weight management, and reduced risk of heart disease. Running also increases stamina and strength, as well as improves muscle tone; these benefits will improve day-to-day life such as lifting heavy objects.
1- Improved Health and Fitness
Running is a great way to get fit, and it is cheap. Running not only benefits the heart and lungs but also works all the major muscles in the body while improving balance and coordination. Regular running will improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones and reduce blood pressure – reducing the overall risk of disease or illness. It can help with weight management by increasing metabolism for a few hours after each run.
2- Weight Management
Weight management is a huge benefit of running, as it helps to maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and fat. This means that excess calories are being used up during the run rather than being stored as fat. Some research has found that people who do a moderate amount of exercise each week have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who do little or no exercise.
3- Cardiovascular Disease
Running is an excellent way of improving cardiovascular fitness, strengthening the heart and lungs; it can also help to maintain good blood circulation. This benefit will improve day to day life as well as reduce health problems such as heart disease or heart attacks.
4- Stronger Bones
Running is also good for improving bone strength because running improves the density of bone tissue and may reduce the risks of osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become less dense, brittle, and prone to fracture). Runners can experience fewer falls as their legs are stronger making them less likely to trip or fall over.
5- Improved Balance and Coordination
Running regularly will improve balance and coordination. It strengthens the body, making it more efficient at dealing with everyday tasks. Thereby improving posture, decreasing the risk of falls, and helping to keep joint problems at bay.
6- Improved Muscle Tone
Regular running will improve muscle tone. Running stimulates the growth of new blood capillaries and red blood cells, it also strengthens existing capillaries through increased blood flow. This is important for day-to-day life where heavy items need lifting or quick bursts of strength are required.
7- Increased Stamina and Strength
Running increases stamina and strength. This will improve day-to-day life as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems become more efficient at transporting oxygen around the body, making activities such as cooking or carrying shopping bags easier.
8- Improved Sleep
Regular running may also help you sleep better too as it causes the cells in our bodies to produce serotonin; this is the hormone that helps us to sleep.
In addition to this, there are also other benefits, such as:
– Improved lung capacity and respiratory health
– Increased Muscle Strength and Tone
– Better sleep patterns (Insomniacs see improved sleep with running)
– Reduced stress levels
Conclusion;
Running over a long distance can cause an impact on bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and stress fractures. It will also cause wear and tear on joints such as knees, ankles, or hips.
However, for some people it may be difficult to join a local running club or fitness center, this is why it may be beneficial to run at home. An alternative would be to join a gym where you can use the cross trainer which offers many of the same benefits as running such as improved cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, increased stamina, and strength.
Running over a long distance can cause an impact on bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and stress fractures. It will also cause wear and tear on joints such as knees, ankles, or hips.
