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So whats behind the push to hit the roads,treadmills, and trails?
Adobe Images / Jacob Lund
It all varies: Theres not one particular impetus that drives all runnersits way more individualized.
Indeed, the benefits of running span both physical and mental.
What do you oughta know before starting running?
Running is simple, but there are a few key considerations for starting a new running program.
And then theres safety.
One good way to do this is tostart out walkingsay, for 30 minutes, 3 times a week.
Another lower-impact alternative to running is using anelliptical machine.
Over time, it’s possible for you to gradually increase your faster intervals until youre running continuously.
Then you might slowly ramp up the amount of time you run or the distance youre covering.
Here are 15 positive effects of running newbies and seasoned runners alike might want to keep in mind.
If youre wondering what running does for your body, well, the answer is a lot.
So its not surprising that many of the benefits of running that well talk about are physical.
And theyre not all cardiovascular either.
And if you ramp up the intensity on those hills, you may get even more strength benefits.
(Check out our list of thebest dumbbellsif you’re looking for some upper-body training, too.)
Upper-body andcore musclesplay a role in running efficiency too.
Your tendons, ligaments, and bones also adapt to the pounding of running by building resilience.
Up through your 20s, weight-bearing exercises like running can help you increase your peak bone density.
Research, however, doesnt actually back that up.
Knee pain does tend to be a common complaint among the runners Dr. Green sees in her office.
Ever wonder how long to run for?
It makes senseafter all, your hearts a muscle too, Dr. Roche says.
One of the biggest things is cue reinforcement, she says.
And youre likely to prioritize heading to bed earlier if youve set an early-morning alarm for your run.
Anxiety, depression, stressif youre feeling them all in full force these days, youre not alone.
Thats provided, the authors warn, that it doesnt become a compulsive need to exercise.
One way running exerts its psychological power is through mindfulnessthe practice of tuning into the present.
Once runners tap into this mental clarity, theyre often compelled to seek more of itDr.
Roche says she often sees athletes getcurious about meditationafter theyve been consistently logging miles for a while.
Make mental notes of what you hear, touch, feel, smell, and taste on your route.
With age, brain tissuelike muscle massnaturally begins to shrink, increasing your risk of cognitive decline.
Mental health conditions like stress and anxiety can also interfere with a good nights rest.
A running routine, meanwhile, can help ease your tossing and turning.
Aim to leave at least four hours between your last mile and bedtime, Dr. Harris suggests.
Running, whether outsideor on a treadmill, offers ample opportunities toset a goaland go for it.
Getting there will require breaking a big goal down into step-by-step processes.
Peralta-Mitchell recalls the confidence she built from running her first marathon.
You start to think that nothing is impossible, she says.
Often, the bonds you build over the milesdoing a difficult activity togetherwind up being particularly strong.
You might also notice landmarks youd never see otherwise or spot the latest cute new shop or cafe.
Thats a contrast from other sports, such as field hockey, which Dr. Roche played in college.
And those who can keep it up may reap benefits in longevity.
(Of course, these are observational studies and cant confirm cause and effect.
Before long, you might even find running becomes more than a workout and part of your identity.
