Running ranks high on the ultimate list of great workout activities. The real-world benefits of running include affordability and convenience; however, it is an excellent way to keep your body and brain in good shape from a health viewpoint. Besides, running is the simplest cardiovascular activity you can take part in when compared to other exercises.

Pixabay ā€“ CCO License

Why Add Running into Your Fitness Routine?

Running is usually mental, and if you feel you can do it, you obviously can. It just takes a little motivation and setting goals. Here are various reasons why adding running into your fitness routine is the best thing you can ever do.

It helps you lose weight fast

Most people run to lose some extra pounds, so, as one of the most intense exercises, running is an excellent way to burn calories and shed weight.

To lose weight, you have to establish a considerable calorie shortage. According to professionals, you should aim for a weekly calorie deficit of 3500 to 7000 calories in order to lose one to two pounds every week. To achieve this kind of deficit, you will have to consume fewer calories or burn some calories with physical activity like running.

In addition, you will have to intensify your workout to shed weight fast. Keep burning more calories and shed weight by switching your low-impact workouts with tempo training, intervals, and higher intensity workouts. You can consider giving your legs a serious test by using powder coated kettlebells and help strengthen the tendons, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the knees, hips, and ankles, which take a toll from running long distances.

It helps you get Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is well known for its role in maintaining healthy bone health. It also helps your body absorb calcium from food. Vitamin D is the vitamin that can decrease your risk of stress fractures. In addition, vitamin D plays a significant role essential for the optimal performance of every runner. It is vital for:

  • Muscle contraction
  • Boost your immune system
  • Never stimulation
  • Improved anti-inflammatory response

The human body gets a more significant portion of vitamin D from sun exposure. Unfortunately, many people spend their time indoors. So, adding running to your fitness routine can help you boost your levels of vitamin D.

You get to meet many new people

Most runners tend to enjoy the quietness and privacy of running solo, but some see it as a chance to socialize. If you are one of them, try finding a running buddy or even a running group to establish a feeling of community.

You can set goals to achieve with your running buddy or group; it is also a great way to stay motivated to run.

Besides, some runners share advice and inspiration with others on online forums. Meet other people who share your passion for running, discover a space to rejoice in your victory, and find help to overcome any challenge you might encounter while running.

Improves your sleep

Running is a form of exercise, and the link between running and sleep has been widely investigated over the years. Recent studies have noted that proper exercise such as running can reduce sleep-related problems and get you enough time to rest.

It has also been proven that moderate to vigorous work-out like running can improve sleep quality by reducing sleep beginning and the time it takes to fall asleep. In addition, proper exercise can help lessen daytime sleepiness and, for some people, reduce the need to take sleep medications.

Strengthens your bones

Running is a form of weight-bearing physical activity that puts pressure on the bones to help build more bone density. According to previous research, running has a more significant impact on bone density than other weight-bearing exercises like cycling. It also has a significant effect on bone density than other weight training resistance training.

But, keep in mind that this doesnā€™t mean you ignore the strength training in your pursuit of a stronger bone density. It is, therefore, vital to note that the variance between strength training and running was statistically substantial but functionally small in that regard.

You can run anywhere, any time

Running can take you far away from the four walls of your gym. You can run just anywhere you want. The trail is always open, so if you wish to run at night or during the day, go for it.

Bottom Line

There are many benefits of running; it improves your sleep, cardiovascular health, helps you lose weight, and strengthens your bones. You can mix up your running routine by adding various intervals, changing locations, and hitting the hills. If you are a beginner, try using the run/walk method and always time yourself.