Six Reasons to Start Running

Are you bored with your current stagnant workout routine? Don’t let workout burnout keep you down! Nice weather affords you the opportunity to workout outdoors. Even if you’ve never been much into running, it’s never too late to start. Take advantage of the sunshine and whip yourself into shape this season with a robust run. With these six convincing reasons, you’ll be hard pressed to pass up another workout.

1.   It’s Cost Effective

Aside from purchasing running shoes, running is the most inexpensive way to get a full body workout. Running doesn’t require a gym membership or any equipment like weights, all you need is the motivation to get out and do it. You can run at any time of the day or night and during any season without the time constraints of a gym’s hours of operation. And you probably already have the right clothing sitting in your closet; a pair of shorts and a loose fitted t-shirt.

2.   It’s a Stress Reliever

Running gives you an excuse to go outside and enjoy the fresh air (a little bit of vitamin D doesn’t hurt either). While running, your brain releases endorphins; chemicals that block pain and send you into a euphoric state. These endorphins clear your mind of any existing stressors by making you feel good about yourself. These same endorphins help you maintain elevated energy levels throughout the day, giving you a natural high to keep you going strong. Your strength builds your productivity levels, boosts your memory, and provides you with the satisfaction of accomplishment. When the day is over and your body is ready to shut down, you’re more inclined to sleep better since you’ve exerted high levels of energy throughout the day. A restful night of sleep is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

3.   It Improves Your Health

Most people who run look toned, younger, and in shape. This is because running is the single most effective exercise to improve your cardiovascular system by helping you burn calories in a short amount of time. Your cardiovascular system is the powerhouse of your body; it delivers blood, oxygen and nutrients to your tissues while picking up waste to remove from your body. When your cardiovascular system is healthy and your heart is strong, your stamina increases to maintain better health.

4.   It Prevents Diseases

That tried and true saying of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has a caveat to it; consistent exercise is also needed to keep the doctor away. Running reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol, improves your immune systems defenses to ward off illness, and builds bone density to prevent osteoporosis. It also reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Running lessens your chances of developing cancer, heart disease, and having a stroke.

5.   You Can Run for a Cause

Running is a wonderful way to contribute to an organization you believe in. By running for a charity, you fundraise to help support research, implementation and spread awareness. Not only does fundraising support a community of people, it opens doors to networking and building new connections with other organizations. Many times, you will find that people dedicate themselves to more than one organization because of the powerful impact it has on so many lives. When you know you are running for a specific cause and that people are making monetary contributions on your behalf, you’re more inclined to stay focused with your training schedule.

6.   It Keeps Exercise Interesting

The beauty about running is that you are in total control of your workout. Switch things up by running a new route or trail. A change in scenery will keep your mind stimulated and provide you with motivation to try new things. Create playlists that incorporate your favorite songs, new hits, and a variety of beats. Use your playlist to orchestrate your run. From light jogs to heavy sprints, base your cadence on the music. This type of interval training keeps your muscles guessing, breaks up the monotony of running at a single pace, and boosts your metabolism. If you run with a buddy, you’ll have a harder time finding excuses to not run since another person is relying on your dedication. Or try taking your furry friend Lassie out for a run with you. Dogs are reliable running partners and keep your endurance levels high.