Benefits of Running

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Running to Lose Weight

Lose weight by running. One of the great benefits of running is that you burn more calories compared to other forms of exercise (e.g. walking or biking).

For many lucky runners, after vigorous exercise their appetite even decreases. So taking up running to lose weight makes sense.

Strengthens Bones

Studies show that running helps strengthen bones and maintain bone mass. This is a big issue for women, especially after menopause, as we're more at risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones and fractures).

Motivation to Eat Healthy

As running becomes part of our life we make better food choices. A diet of fast food, excess fat, sugar and alcohol isn’t the fuel your engine needs for your next run. And when you know what it takes to burn off those empty calories you won’t put them in. But an added bonus, you can indulge, in moderation, if you do a little extra to burn off those extra calories. Remember, running is good but it’s not magic.

Good Health & Longer Life

One of the main benefits of running is that it helps decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. As running reduces excess body fat this can lower blood pressure, increase the level of your good cholesterol (HDL) and lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and stabilize insulin levels. Help fight the diseases of aging with running.

Lean and Muscular Body

Runners like women come in all shapes and sizes. As you lose body fat you'll replace it with lean and more defined muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so don't be a slave to your bathroom scales. Instead enjoy the compliments about your new shape from family and friends.

Extra Strength

One of the benefits of running is strong muscles. Running gives you more energy and power for every day activities.

Time Saver

Running is efficient at burning calories, so you'll spend less time running compared to other activities e.g. walking or cycling. This is a bonus for busy women juggling work, family and friends.

Inexpensive

Running is cheap. Other than really good running shoes, there's no need for expensive equipment or memberships, which helps if you're on a tight budget.

Portable

Take your running with you. If you're a frequent traveler for work or pleasure pack your running shoes and hit the roads or trails. No need to skip your workout and it's a good way to explore a new city or the countryside. Check in at any specialty running store for local suggestions.

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You've probably heard of "runner's high" where endorphins are released in the brain after strenuous exercise. I'm no scientist but I feel good after an easy run or hard workout. It's a feeling that lasts long after I've stopped running. Sometimes we feel good just for showing up and completing a workout. At least we actually got something done today, so our busy lives don’t seem so out of control.

Stress Relief and Antidepressant

Running helps me unwind. When I'm focusing on my breathing and my pace, for the time being anyway, other issues melt away. Studies show that runners have decreased anxiety and depression. They tend to be happier. The psychological benefits of running are powerful.

Boost Your Confidence

As my body grew fitter and stronger, I felt more capable and confident. This spilled into other areas of my life. Knowing that you can complete a run, do some speed work or finish a race gives you confidence to tackle other difficult tasks.

Look and Feel Younger

Since joining the ranks of masters running (competition for 40+ runners), I've been amazed at the women and men who look decades younger. So many times I've said, "That woman couldn't possibly be in her ... 50's, 60's, 70's or 80's". These inspiring women say they don't feel old and certainly don't look or act it. Slow down aging with running.

Quality Sleep

Our bodies need about 7-8 hours of quality, reparative sleep, particularly before and after a good workout. Physical exhaustion helps give you a good nights sleep. With regular running you'll listen to your body and get to bed early. With a better nights sleep you'll have greater concentration and more energy in your day.

Wonderful Friendships

Some people don't consider running a social sport, and maybe that’s true for them. They want to just work out, get their miles in and go home. You see them running and they never seem to smile or acknowledge anyone. Yet, I've met so many people through running and most of my closest friends are runners. You can meet others while you're out on the roads, trails or track, at races or by joining a running club. One of the great benefits of running is the special camaraderie that runners share, and a guiding principle here at womenrunningtogether.com.

Helping Ourselves and Helping Others

Running helps us feel better but also allows us to feel better helping others. Local and national charity races inspire us to compete and contribute to community groups and raise money and awareness for a number of important causes. Susan G. Komen sponsors a series of Races for the Cure for Breast Cancer awareness. Local training groups, like Joints in Motion for Arthritis and Team in Training for Leukemia, prepare many runners for their first marathon.

Appreciating Nature

Running outdoors, all year round helps you appreciate the wonder and beauty of nature, the changes in seasons, the different colors and smells, things you don’t notice driving. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset, the forests, the mountains, animals and birds, local parks and your neighborhood gardens on your run.

Enjoy these benefits of running. Remember them when you need some incentives to get moving.

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