Positive running effects on the body

1. You will have a healthier heart from running

Running is great for your heart. By running regularly, you lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, both of which are indicators of heart health. Running also helps you to lose or maintain weight. Being overweight puts a tremendous strain on your heart, so when you lighten the load, you reduce the stress on your body’s most important organ.

2. You will have a faster metabolism from running

Metabolism refers to the chemical process of burning calories. We all naturally have fast or slow metabolisms, which affect our body’s ability to burn calories or store them as fat. If you have a fast metabolic rate, you will burn more calories in a set time than you would if your metabolism were slower. The faster your metabolism, the less likely you are to accumulate fat. Running changes your body’s metabolism. The energy you expend while running helps you to increase the volume of calories burned. And the more intense the run, the longer your metabolism will stay ‘sped up’, even after your exercise is over.

 3. You will have more energy from running

Ever wonder why you feel energised after a great run? It’s a combination of physical factors that boost our energy in both the short and long term. First, when we run, our hearts pump, and this enhanced blood flow delivers more oxygen to muscles all over our body. Second, regular running leads to better cardiovascular stamina and reduces the demand on the lungs, enabling our body to use energy more efficiently. Third, running can help us get better sleep and rest, which leads to more energy during the day.

4. You will have stronger legs from running

Ever noticed a runner’s legs and seen how clearly defined the muscles are? When we run, we use all the muscles in our legs, big and small. If you are new to running, you might be surprised by how quickly you start to develop lean muscle in your legs and the speed at which you build endurance. It should be noted that if you are looking to add mass to your leg muscles, you should include weight training in your exercise routine and eat protein.

5. Your mind will become stronger from running

Another physical benefit of running is the effect on your brain. Not only will running keep you physically fit but it will also improve your cognitive abilities. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, a charity, numerous studies prove that regular exercise such as running can improve your memory and protect against future cognitive conditions, like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Running also increases the serotonin levels in your brain, fighting stress and generating a more positive way of looking at the world.

6. You’ll lose weight with your running body

One of the greatest benefits of running is that it helps you lose weight and body fat. Losing weight is fundamentally about using more calories than you consume. When you exercise, your body uses more calories than usual, so you will have a calorie deficit – over time that will mean you shed pounds as your body uses its own fat stores to provide energy instead.

7. You will get stronger bones too

It is well established that when you put stress on your bones, they become stronger and denser. That makes it less likely you’ll have injuries and makes your body more resilient.

8. You will notice various mental health benefits

Beyond what running does to your body, exercise also has a huge range of mental health benefits. Numerous studies have established that running can help tackle depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. More generally it can help reduce feelings of stress, and also lead to better sleep.