subject: The Physical Benefits Of Running - 7 Reasons To Start Running For Weight Loss [print this page] You may have chosen to run to lose weight, but isn't it good to know that running brings all sorts of other health benefits too?
1. Healthier heart
Your heart, as you know, is responsible for pumping the blood that carries oxygen round your body. When you run, you cause your heart to work harder, pumping more blood. Over time, running makes your heart more efficient so that even if you are at rest, your heart is pumping more blood with each heart beat. The arteries also benefit from running. As you run, the arteries become more elastic and more able to flush out the fatty deposits that may have developed in the walls of your arteries and that could potentially obstruct the flow of blood to the heart. If not addressed, these obstructions in the blood's pathway can cause a heart attack.
2. Lower blood pressure
As a result of having more elastic arteries, blood pressure among runners is usually low. One study of a group of long distance runners showed that their use of blood pressure reducing medication was 50% lower than in non-runners.
3. Lower cholesterol
Also according to a study, runners generally have lower cholesterol. When running, HDL cholesterol (the good fat) level increases, while the bad fat and triglyceride levels decrease. This results in reduced risk of heart disease.
4. Stronger lungs
Running makes increases your body's need for oxygen, prompting your lungs to work harder by using 50% of otherwise unused lung capacity. Running also increases the number of your capillaries, the tiny blood vessels through which blood passes to the lungs, so the blood can absorb oxygen more efficiently. So your lungs improve and get used to working harder which means more efficient breathing whether you are running or idle.
5. Firmer muscles
The most obvious benefit of running is firmer and more toned muscles. This is because, when running, you expose them to constant and rigorous activity and leave them fit and stronger. Regular running also improves muscular strength and endurance, making you more adept at handling activities that require a great deal of physical effort.
6. Stronger bones
Although widely associated with age, osteoporosis, a condition characterized by hollow and brittle bones, is thought to be the result of lack of exercise. Running can decrease your chances of suffering from osteoporosis and other bone problems. By keeping them always at work, joints and bones develop flexibility, endurance and strength.
7. Better bowel movement
Among the running health benefits, improved bowel movement is perhaps the least known. By increasing breathing, running helps in the wavelike movement of the bowels, making them easier to release. This prevents constipation and haemorrhoids.
by: Simon Lovell
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