10 Reasons to Start Running Now
If you are like me, you’ve probably avoided running for some time now. It’s never the right time – either it’s too late to start working on the summer body since it’s already summer or it’s freezing or raining outside because it’s autumn / winter, or you just don’t think you’re the kind of person who could enjoy running. I’ve been there and I’ve used probably every possible excuse you could think of in order to avoid running. But one day I just thought that’s enough, I can at least give it a try. I don’t need any special equipment or an opportunity. So I put on my workout clothes, my trainers, put some music on and went for a run. And believe it or not, running is now one of my favourite things to do. Still not convinced? Let’s have a look at the 10 big time reasons to go for a run.
1 DO IT ANYWHERE
This is probably the most obvious one. But it really is that simple. Explore your neighbourhood, discover new parks or tracks in your area, discover new places when you’re on vacation or on your next business trip.
2 NO NEED FOR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
I’ve already said this but this is one of the main reasons why I went for that first run. All you need is a good supportive sports bra and a good pair of shoes, nothing else. Of course, there are fancy shoes and clothes made for running but you can always buy those later when you run regularly and you know it’s a good investment.
3 FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF
Running really is a great way to feel good about yourself. Because you can constantly see the improvement. Maybe this week you can only run around the park once but next week it can be two times and in a few months you’re a runner and you can really be proud of that achievement.
4 MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Check out local running groups or websites to find like-minded people, who can even give you some useful tips and who you can share your hobby with. It’s also a great way to meet people when you move to a new area and you don’t know many of your neighbours yet.
5 SAVE SOME MONEY
This is not only related to the equipment but also to the costs of a gym membership. Depending on where you live, you can run outside all year round (or if you prefer a treadmill in the winter months, you can always go back to the gym, you’ve saved a decent amount of money during the rest of the year).
6 DO IT FOR YOUR KNEES
Contrary to what you might have heard before, running doesn’t wreck your joints. Since the biggest osteoarthritis risk factor besides age is weight, running can really help you solve that one. It’s also proven that running bolsters your cartilage by increasing oxygen flow and flushing out toxins, and by strengthening the ligaments around your joints. It should go without saying, though, that it’s important to treat all running injuries and to regularly replace your shoes. In the end, running will build your joints up.
7 IT IS A GREAT CARDIO
A study done by Medical College of Wisconsin at the VA Medical Center suggests that running actually blasts more calories than the stair-stepper, bike and other gym staples. Compared to the treadmill used at a “hard” exertion level, the overall caloric burn was lower.
8 SLEEP BETTER
Running encourages higher quality speed and moreover, runners tend to adapt to set sleeping routines in order to keep running performance high.
9 STRESS LESS
“Nothing beats that feeling when you settle into a strong stride with a powerful rhythm,” says Brooke Stevens, a four-time NYC marathoner, “The tension in my neck, back, and shoulders starts to loosen up, and I can think more clearly too.” Run the stress away because not only does running boost the brain’s serotonin levels, regular exercise might actually remodel the brain, making it calmer and more resistant.
10 WORK ON YOUR CORE
When you’re running, you’re engaging the midsection and strengthening muscles. A strong core can then improve your posture and strengthen limbs, which just adds to the list of many benefits of going for a run.
Let me know in the comments what convinced you to start running and if you have more interesting facts, I’d love to hear those as well!
