Running is popular for many reasons There is no disputing that regular, vigorous exercise is crucial to maintaining good health. Vigorous exercise can be loosely defined as working up a sweat and keeping it for a good half hour. Running offers an excellent way to incorporate healthy exercise into one’s lifestyle. It requires no fancy equipment and can be accomplished nearly anywhere, alone or with companions. Because of this, running is perfect for students, working people, or those who travel a lot. Its sheer accessibility makes it a popular way to gain the benefits of healthy exercise. What are some of the benefits of rigorous exercise? It raises the heart rate and improves physical health by lowering blood pressure and helping the arteries to maintain their elasticity. This improvement in overall cardiovascular health reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. Rigorous exercise also helps people to lose weight or keep it off. Hearty exercise does more than burn calories. It actually improves overall metabolism, making the body’s use of calories more efficient throughout the day—not only during the period of exercise. Weight is a chief determinant of health, as many diseases are linked to excess weight. Those who exercise regularly are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss as they age. The reason is that both muscles and bones respond to the demands made upon them. Thus, those who lead a sedentary life lose bone density and muscle strength, becoming more prone to osteoporosis and injury as they age. Exercise has emotional and psychological benefits, as well. Many who exercise on a regular basis report significantly less stress and better moods; some even feel a high from it. Endorphins released during exercise may contribute to this. Perhaps another factor may be the sense of accomplishment derived from completing a challenging run, as well as the satisfaction from setting and keeping personal goals that are associated with increased running times and distances. Finally, exercise may improve emotional health since it requires the individual to focus on something other than their life stresses, even if only for a brief time.
Tags: Carretero, exercise, health, heart, Julie, Julie Carretero, physical health, Running
