Running

10 Compelling Reasons To Take Up Running

Emily Lockhart

Published on June 2, 2014

Do you want to gain energy, get outside more often, shed some unwanted pounds, and get where you need to go much faster? Then it may be time to take up running.

If you weren’t already convinced to grab your running shoes, here are ten compelling reasons to take up this nature-loving, cardio-blasting, body and booty slimming form of exercise…

1. Inexpensive Exercise

Not everyone has the extra cash to join a gym. Those monthly membership fees can really be a drain on your finances. Luckily, all you need for running is a pair of trusty sneakers and the open road—it’s one of the most inexpensive forms of exercise around.

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2. Prevent Illnesses and Diseases

Sure, an apple a day might keep the doctor away, but so does a daily run! Research from the American Cancer Society found that doing regular cardiovascular exercise (i.e., running and walking) can help reduce risk of certain cancers (i.e., colon cancer and breast cancer) by approximately 30-percent.

3. Improves Memory

If you’re worried about memory loss you can do Sudoku. However, running may be just as beneficial, according to studies from the Mayo Clinic, which links regular cardio exercise to reducing memory loss and guarding the brain against Alzheimer’s and dementia-related conditions.

4. Run Anytime, Anywhere

Talk about an exercise that you can do anytime, anywhere the mood strikes! Running is probably one of the most convenient activities available. I can run outside (weather permitting), on vacation (no extra gear required), and even indoors (on my treadmill) at any hour of the day.

5. Running is Social

Talk about a great way to get a workout and catch up with your buddies at the same time—running is the perfect social exercise. And if you’re lacking running friends, chances are there’s a local running group taking new members in your area.

6. Burn Baby, Burn

If you’re trying to tone up for swimsuit season, running is a great way to shed a few excess pounds—especially when you consider that, on average, running burns 750 to 800 calories per hour (based on a 160-pound individual).

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7. Eliminate Toxins

When you run, you sweat, and even though it may not be pleasant post-run, working up a sweat literally flushes the body, skin, and pores of harmful toxins—the bad stuff that cause acne and other blemishes.

8. Strengthen Bones and Joints

While a mix of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training is ideal for building strong joints and bones, running on its own does provide the impact needed for stronger bone and joint health.

9. Run to De-Stress

I admit, I often go for a run after a stressful day at work—and I feel better afterwards for it. Running 3 to 4 times per week not only burns off anxiety, studies also credit hitting the pavement with reduced high blood pressure risk and lowering existing hypertension rates quite quickly and safely. Just be sure to consult with your doctor before taking up running.

10. Run to Live Longer

If you plan to live to the ripe old age of triple digits, running just might be your secret! In fact, Stanford University studies show that those who remain active longer actually far outlive sedentary individuals.