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Running is a high-intensity cardio workout that provides you numerous health benefits, both physical and psychological. It may be painful, tedious and exhausting, but running health benefits are truly spectacular.
Effective for losing weight
If you are really serious about fighting that bulging waistline, then no other exercise is more suitable than running. By burning 500 calories in an hour you can realistically hope to lose a pound of weight a week. Only cross-country skiing exhausts more calories in a minute than running, but then not everyone lives near a snow peak.
Slows down aging process
A sedentary lifestyle leads to weakening of bones. A high-intensity workout such as running prevents bone and muscle loss, stimulates the growth hormone and leaves one healthier and younger looking.
Helps fight disease and disorders
Running is most impressive in improving cardiovascular fitness. It increases the level of good cholesterol i.e. HDL, reduces blood pressure and helps in maintaining elasticity of arteries, thus minimizing the risk of blood clots and heart attack.
Running increases the use of lungs by pumping in more oxygen. Running health benefits include improving the lung potential of smokers even.
It helps in improving the strength of our immune system by increasing the concentration of white blood corpuscles.
It makes us less susceptible to breast cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and hypertension.
Improves Coordination
Running over unpaved trail with obstacles like stones and tree roots help in improving control over the body preventing us from tripping and stumbling.
Psychological health benefits from running
Running releases the hormone beta-endorphin in our blood stream. This hormone gives us a sense of euphoria, contentment and happiness. It can be used for clinically treating depression and addiction.
Running is an effective way to release pent-up anger and aggression. When we focus on the task on hand we forget our stresses and tension of work and family. Since one feels a sense of accomplishment on completing a run it helps boost confidence and creates a positive outlook.
Running also helps knit communities by increasing social interaction, promoting a sense of healthy competition and collecting charity through running clubs.
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