A Hiking Resource Reveals Four Health Benefits of Running

Everyone is looking for new ways to stay healthy and in shape, but sometimes the simplest way is the best. Running is an exercise everyone is capable of and entirely free if you take advantage of local parks and trails.

So, what benefits can you expect from this healthy past time? Let?s take a look.

Benefit #1: Running is good for your cardiovascular health

Running is one of the most effective forms of cardio and cardio is the most highly recommended exercise by doctors and health professionals because of its effect on cardiovascular health. By keeping your heart rate up for a certain amount of time through cardio exercises, you can strengthen your heart and entire cardiovascular system.

Regular cardio from running will not only strengthen the heart muscle and increase your endurance, but it also decreases your risk of common illnesses like heart disease and hypertension.

If you?re reading this and running isn?t your speed (pun intended), hiking trails can provide similar cardio and resistance exercises.

Benefit #2: It helps build strong bones and joints

Running is also a resistance exercise and puts a healthy amount of strain on the bones and joints. Regular running offers resistance that builds bone density over time, as well as improving overall joint function. This can help prevent common diseases associated with aging, such as osteoporosis or arthritis, later in life.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is the surface you choose to run on. Hard materials like concrete or asphalt can offer too much resistance and cause joint tissue to become injured and deteriorate.

Running on dirt or grass in public parks or along hiking trails can provide all of the benefits of running without the negative side effects, however. Just be sure to listen to your body while exercising, especially if you?re just starting out. If your joints hurt, you might want to go easier on your workouts or find an even softer surface to run on.

Benefit #3: Shed fat and maintain a healthy weight

One of the main benefits of exercise these days is to maintain a healthy body weight. Cardio-heavy exercises like running are perfect for burning excess calories and fat. By elevating your heart rate for extended periods of time, you can burn more calories from running alone than any other exercise.

If you choose to go trail running, the uneven terrain can compound this effect. Your muscles and cardiovascular system will be forced to work harder, resulting in a workout that burns more calories. It also has the added benefit of building muscle, which will help keep your body fat percentage down.

Benefit #4: Promote healthy metabolism and blood sugar levels

Running produces its fantastic calorie-burning effects by regulating your metabolism. A healthy metabolism allows your body to use calories for energy more efficiently. Inactivity is one of the most common reasons for a low metabolism, but running helps to kick start your body?s natural metabolic rhythms and, in turn, make you feel healthier.

Keeping your metabolism up with a regular running schedule has the added benefit of allowing you to still eat the food you love (to an extent) because your calories are metabolized more efficiently. Dieting can be difficult for many people struggling to maintain their weight, but regular exercise from running allows you to keep more of those culinary pleasures in your life.

Plus, a healthy metabolism doesn?t just regulate how your body uses calories?it regulates your blood sugar levels as well. In the short term, this can reduce feelings of lethargy during the day and make you feel more alert and energetic. In the long term, well-regulated blood sugar levels help to stave off life-threatening illnesses, like diabetes.

The takeaway

Running not only makes you feel good, it makes you look good too! Whether it?s hitting the trails at your local park or the gym by your house, running is an easily accessible activity that can make a world of difference in your life.

The best part is that a little goes a long way. You don?t have to run everyday or for hours on end to see a difference. Making the time to go running for 30 minutes 4 times a week can have a lasting impact on your health, figure, and even overall happiness.