Is Running the Key to Improving Your Physical and Mental Well-Being at Any Age?

Have you ever wondered why every coach in every sport tells you to run or jog? And did you know that running can make you smarter, healthier, and happier? In this article, I will tell you about the benefits of running.

Running is one of the most popular and accessible forms of exercise in the world. You do not need any equipment or have to be at the gym or anything. You can just put on your shoes and start running. It’s pretty simple and easy to start.

Health Benefit: Physically

• Running can boost your cardiovascular system, strengthen your muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It lowers your risk of chronic diseases and also enhances your immune system.

• Running can help you live longer by reducing the risk of death from a heart attack and stroke. It can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as colon, breast, and lung cancer.

• Running can keep your mind sharp by boosting the size of your hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

• Running can also benefit your heart health by lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, which are risk factors for heart diseases.

Health Benefit: Mentally

We all know that running is amazing for health, but What about mental benefits?

• Running can help in anxiety by releasing endocannabinoids, which is a natural chemical that makes you feel calm and relaxed.

• Running can improve your mood and self-esteem by releasing endorphins, which is a natural chemical that makes you feel happy and confident.

• Running can also enhance your memory by stimulating the growth of new brain cells and blood vessels in the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. It can also boost your concentration by increasing the blood flow and oxygen to the brain, helping you think more clearly and creatively.

Is running an age-restricted exercise?

There are so many benefits of running, but the question is, is running an age-restricted exercise? The answer is no; it’s not an age-restricted exercise. Anyone of any age can run unless you have a medical issue or are not medically cleared.

As a certified Personal Trainer, I would never suggest running to anyone in the beginning. The first thing I need to do with the client is ask questions. Have you ever run before? Do you have any kind of health issue, or can you tell me about your health history? No matter if it’s running or any kind of exercise, if you have some health issues, you should always get the green light from your doctor that you are good to go and can do this exercise.

Running is not age-specific or gender-specific. Everyone can run if you are medically cleared to run. You can enjoy every benefit of running but make sure to follow the protocols. It means even if you are healthy, don’t just start running every day for too long or too fast. First, you need to make your heart and body ready for it. Start slowly every day; be patient. It will take time to build up your cardiovascular health, and also your bones and tendons will not be ready for such pressure immediately. So, start slowly but progressively, trust the process, and increase step by step.