How Running May Make Life Better
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are considering running, researchers believe it can be a wise choice. If you check in with your doctor and are approved for running, researchers say you could add as much as three years to your life by running 5 to 10 minutes a day.
Iowa State University professor Duck-chul Lee found regular runners had a lower risk of heart disease and death than people who never ran. Here are some more of the benefits, according to U.S. News.
Balance Works Better When We Run
We all need a good sense of balance, but it becomes even more critical as we age and try to avoid falls. Running during your 30s or 40s could be a good way to reduce your chances of falling when you move into your 60s.
Running Builds Muscle and Metabolism
Runners build muscles that burn calories and maintain a high level of metabolism. When we sit all day, muscles lose power and metabolism sags. Running may be the way to turn your daily schedule around, lifting spirits, dropping pounds, and sparking new energy.
Running Strengthens Bones
People who start running in their 30s have a better chance of hanging on to bone density as they age. Strong bones help individuals avoid fractures. If you are new to running, alternate running with walking at first to get the body used to the impact.
Running Stimulates Memory
Researchers have found running can improve memory. Women in their 70s who were runners with mild memory issues had a larger memory area in the brain than those who never ran.
Running Keeps Us Energized
Jogging during the day may give us a better boost than coffee. Researchers find running outdoors in the daytime improves the mood, wakes the body up and stimulates the whole system.
Running Helps Us Rest Well
If you find sleep is an issue, running may help you level out. Researchers showed women who were 55 or over who had insomnia slept better when walking or running regularly. I find running provides a natural tiredness that relaxes the body and invites sleep.
How to Start Running
Here are some tips for beginners
- Get your doctor’s approval before you begin
- Get the right running shoes
- Shoot for distance rather than time
- Make running a daily habit
- Join a running group
- Set small workable goals
- Keep a running log
- Add cross training to support running
As always, talk with your doctor first to see how running may work for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Boulder, Colo.