Running Is Fabulous For Your Body

Lots of people go running for a variety of reasons. The main reason is weight loss; 60% of people surveyed regarding running listed weight loss as their main reason.

Other people listed different reasons, including stress relief, training for a sport, or they just want to exercise (and running happens to be free). No matter what their reasons are, many Americans and others from around the world are ending their sedentary lifestyle and going for a run.

Our entire population is increasing the average fitness level by starting a running routine. They are all doing this to get healthy, but running doesn't just burn fat and calories; it has many other benefits too.

However, fat and calorie burning is still a great thing. Did you know that running is the best form of exercise with regards to how many calories you burn, only being beaten by cross-country skiing?

This is very important for weight loss. There are a lot of stories about people losing oodles weight just by eating healthier and beginning to run daily.

Running is also great for your cholesterol. It raises your HDL levels (the good cholesterol) among other great things.

This vigorous activity is also a good workout for your lungs. The average person only uses 50% of their lungs, and running requires you to use the full 100%.

Running will also increase your white blood cell count, which means a boost to your immune system. Who doesn't want to fight disease and save on doctor bills?

Sprinting and distance running also helps prevent bone and muscle loss. Many people develop osteoporosis when they are older; that's why an old woman falling generally sends her to the hospital for hip surgery.

However, this problem can be prevented by you! Regular running will build your muscles and bones up so they can stand the wear and tear of being old, without getting broken or torn and needing replacement.

But how does this work? With most things, the more you use it, the quicker it wears out.

But the human body is different. More exercise will strengthen and lengthen your body's stamina and resilience, rather than decrease it.

Regarding your muscles, it's quite similar. When you over-exert yourself, you may tear your muscle.

This will require you to rest a couple days so it can heal. But, because our bodies are so great, they realize that a torn muscle means that you want to do more with your body now.

Your body will respond to this message and repair the muscle to be even stronger and more versatile than it ever was before. Isn't that delightful?

One more great thing about running is that is has mental benefits. It will increase your focus and drive.

While you are running, it is common to reach a point where you want to stop and rest. However, if you keep going (with your health goal in mind) you are using your goals as motivation and ignoring your desire to give up.

Running can also improve your confidence; overcoming obstacles and getting healthy are tremendous ways to boost your self-esteem. Running is so valuable to your health.

Destry Masterson is a health, fitness and nutrition expert. She has written articles about diet and exercise and recommends http://www.treadmillsensei.com for information about treadmills. Contact Info: Destry Masterson - MyOnlineArticleWriting@gmail.com - Twitter: @DestryMasterson