10 Health Benefits of Running Daily

Let’s face it. Running isn’t for everyone. I personally have a love/hate relationship with it; love it when I’m used to it and losing weight and hate it when I haven’t done it in a while. Such is the dilemma of homeostasis; the body just wants to resist change from whatever state it’s in. No matter what your body might do in the beginning, and no matter how hard it is there is no denying the health benefits of putting your feet to the ground and moving.

There are many items you can use to help you along your journey.

Polar makes great heart rate monitors that will help you with making sure you don't overdo it; I personally use the Polar Ft40 Heart Rate Monitor.

There is also the Body Media Weight Management System that is shown often on The Biggest Loser that is definitely worth the investment as it will track your sleeping patterns, calories burned and calories consumed, as well as help you understand the chemistry of your body.

Here are just 10 benefits of how running for fitness or pleasure can promote a longer, healthier life.

Immune System

Great news for diabetics! If you have a regular regimen of getting out and running, you are likely to have a stronger immune system than someone who is sedentary. If you have a stronger immune system you are less likely to suffer from the pitfalls of fatigue, backaches, joint aches, colds, allergies and many other ailments that can turn from minor to severe for some individuals, especially those that are diabetic, the elderly, and children

Lose Weight

Want to burn fat and lose weight fast? This is probably one, if not the top, reason runners start running. Running is considered one of the top activities for burning fat. All you have to do is make sure you have the right shoes for your stride and you’ll be set to go. I personally can attest to a personal loss of 70lbs through running (and a healthy diet).

Eliminate Stress

Running is an all natural stress relief. I think everyone can take a lesson from this one. With the economy like it is, stress has hit almost everyone on some level – even children. Find yourself angry and frustrated often? Maybe anger management isn’t for you, but take a fast paced run and soon you’ll find that you feel a lot better. A great way to clear your head and spend time with the family doing something other than arguing about finances is to take a run. Run alone to sort your thoughts and get your priorities sorted. Headaches from stress can even be cured through a relaxing jog.

Meet People

There are running groups in many cities with people from seasoned runners to those who are just beginning for whatever reason. You never know who you might connect with; a new best friend, future spouse, or someone who changes your life.

Anxiety

Another benefit to runners; they usually have a lower level of anxiety than those who sit on the couch. Running regularly will regulate your mood. One study has shown a connection between training and reduced serotonin receptor activity. Serotonin receptors regulate your mood, which definitely reinforces the suggestion that reducing sensitivity of these receptors leads to positive effects of exercise on anxiety.

Complexion

Skip all the Garnier BB Cream and facial creams and go for a run. When you run you stimulate your circulation, which helps with moving nutrients all around your system and getting rid of the trash that clogs it up. As a result of this flushing out process, your skin becomes clearer and you even achieve a nice glow that even my Bare Essentials Mineral Veil can’t match.

Feel happier

No, not just referring to reducing stress levels. When you run, your body releases hormones called endorphins. Have you ever been exercising or doing any physical activity that was really hard, but just before giving up you reached a point where you got a second wind? That “runner’s high” is your endorphins kicking in. The body is filled with a new happiness and you are able to, as my Beachbody coach always says, “Dig deeper!”

Mental Health

I can’t stress this one enough. Build your self-esteem and elevate your mood for longer periods than just what your endorphins can do in the moment. The closer you get to your fitness goals physically – weight loss, bigger muscles, definition, nicer complexion – the higher your self-confidence will be. Put an end to that seasonal depression once and for all! Medication is not always the answer.

Heart Health

Your heart is a muscle too, and running every week will give it an effective workout you’re your family will thank you for when you live a long life. Runners are able to improve circulation, high blood pressure, and reduce the risks of stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure just by getting out and trotting down the train or street.

Sleep

Got insomnia? Stay up all night playing Literati or browsing Facebook? Most people find themselves trapped in a rut of insomnia from time to time. Studies have shown that runners tend to get to sleep easier, and have a better quality of sleep than those who sit on the couch playing World of Warcraft all day – take note.

Run for your life!

Not getting regular exercise deprives not only yourself from having a long and happy life, but also your family of having you around. After knowing what it can do for you, why would you deny yourself happiness? There are no excuses!