Running for Health

Running - One of the best cardiovascular activities

Want to improve your cardiovascular health?  Looking for a way to lose a few pounds?  Trying to lower your blood pressure?  Physicians recommend that we all set aside at least 30 minutes each day and exercise.  Instead of purchasing hundreds of dollars of exercise equipment there is a form of exercise that cost nothing.  Running is one of the best exercises an individual can perform each day.

Running has been recommended as one of the best forms of cardiovascular activity because you expend quite a bit of energy.   While running, your body burns a large number of calories.  In addition to calories burned, the benefits received from running each day are numerous.  Individuals, who make it a habit of running each day, can see results such as weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health, improved frame of mind, better coordination and lower blood pressure.  Running has also been found to improve and help arteries sustain elasticity. 

Running = being happier?

Individuals who have taken up running daily report they are happier.  They find that by running, they are less stressed and as a result, they find life much more rewarding.  Physicians have found when running, endorphins are released.  Endorphins are hormones that have been found to create a sense of exhilaration; a state of Euphoria.   This state of euphoria while running results in the runner feeling happier and more satisfied with life.

Loss in belly fat

Runners have seen results such as a loss in belly fat which resulted in a flatter and more attractive stomach. They found that by exerting the energy while running, they burned fat and found their stomach getting flatter and more defined.  They also lost what is known as love hangers while running.  So, by taking up running daily, the body fat surrounding the stomach began to melt away. So, start today to get a flat stomach.

Running has also been found to slow the aging process.  Muscles have been found to remain tone and the runner experienced less bone loss as a result when running daily.  The more physically demanding an exercise is, the more the bones grow and the stronger they become.  Doctors have found the more you work your body, the more the body will respond by growing stronger. Running is an exercise that taxes the body.

How to run 

When running, stand tall and keep your head straight.  Do not bend forward or look at your feet.  Make sure you focus on keeping your body erect.  Try to keep your body relaxed from head to toe.  Try not to be tense when running.  Before beginning your run, take a few minutes and loosen up.  You can loosen up by standing in place and letting the body just go.  Then start vigorously shaking your arms and as you shake your arms, begin to shake your body.  Next while still shaking your arms and body; begin to rotate your head. This will gradually loosen the body.

While running remember it is very important that you breathe deeply in and out. Do not allow your body to become tense; tightening up your muscles while running can restrict your breathing. 

Remember, as a last bit of advice, before beginning any exercise program, consult with your physician.

See also these related articles:

• Bicycling
• Cardiovascular Activities
• Lose Belly Fat