1. Helps you live longer
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that runners tend to live longer than those who don’t perform this form of exercise regularly. The study followed 1,000 adults (aged above 50) for 21 years. At the end of the study, 85% of runners were still alive while only 65% of non-runners were active.
Another study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that running or walking for even 5 – 10 minutes a day reduces the risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease.
2. Endorphin levels rise
Running causes your brain and nervous system to secrete neurotransmitters called endorphins. These feel-good chemicals are responsible for that euphoric "runner's high" that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. Endorphins also prevent the transmission of pain signals, letting you feel nothing but good vibes. See you later, crummy feelings.
3.Running strengthens your knees (and your other joints and bones, too)
It’s long been known that running increases bone mass, and even helps stem age-related bone loss. But chances are, you’ve had family, friends, and strangers warn you that “running is bad for your knees.” Well, science has proven that it’s not. In fact, studies show that running improves knee health, according to Boston University researcher David Felson in an interview with National Public Radio.
According to Felson, They know from many long-term studies that running doesn’t appear to cause much damage to the knees, When we look at people with knee arthritis, we don’t find much of a previous history of running, and when we look at runners and follow them over time, we don’t find that their risk of developing osteoarthritis is any more than expected.
4. Running is easy and convinient than other Sports/Gym
Running doesn’t require a ton of equipment. “If you’ve got shoes, shorts, and a shirt, you are good to go". You can’t say that about many other workouts. No machines, dumbbells, or even mats required. You can run anywhere, Running will take you a heck of a lot farther than the four walls of your gym. “You can run anywhere in the world. There are literally races in Antarctica and the Sahara Desert,” You can run at any time, The trail is never closed. Whether you want to get in a workout at 2pm or 2am, you can go for it.
Your dog can run with you, Dogs typically aren’t welcome in the gym. But they are right at home on the trail. They even get endocannabinoid-fueled runner’s highs similar to those of their two-legged friends.
5. Sleep is better
Running uses up your energy in a healthy way. It also regulates your sleep schedule and limits insomnia. As a result, you'll be ready to curl up once bedtime comes around. Running also improves the quality and duration of your shut-eye, ensuring that your mental and emotional integrity is in good shape. The American Psychological Association even shares that if most Americans slept more, they would be happier and healthier. Running can help you with just that.
6. Setting goals becomes easier
Becoming a regular runner takes self-motivation and focus. It also happens to double as excellent practice for creating goals and pushing yourself to meet them. After all, every single running achievement comes with the realization that you have what it takes to go the extra mile (pun intended). Remember, it doesn't matter if these goals are big or small. Everything adds up in the end. And when you gain experience setting and meeting goals, you'll be more likely to apply it to other areas of your life. Cheers to that.
7. Keeps you healthy
Surprisingly, apart from overall health and mental benefits – walking and running are good for our vision as well. A research conducted in 2013 showed that those who walked or ran an average of 5 miles per day had 41% lower risk of developing cataract and age-related vision loss or blindness.
Although the exact reason for the benefit is still unknown, most health experts suggest that running decreases the probability of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure which can contribute to the development of cataracts.
8. You’re Born to run
