Runners understand how much running can change your life when it becomes part of who you are and isn’t just something you do. Here are 5 reasons to run so that you can change your own life for the better.

1. Improved Mental Health

Running can create an amazing happy sensation known as “runner’s high” when the body naturally starts turning out pleasure chemicals. These pleasure chemicals can help improve your mental health and can even help fight depression and other mood disorders.

2. Strengthened Lungs

As you log more and more miles of running, your lungs capacity will increase. That not only means that you can yell louder at sporting events, but it also helps your body work more effectively as more oxygen is delivered to your body.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure

As you run and your heart rate increases, your arteries have to expand and contract. This keeps them in better health which in turn helps to normalize your blood pressure. For those who have high blood pressure, running is yet another way to lower it effectively without the use of medications.

4. Better Immune System

When you run regularly, your body will begin to build up a tolerance to germs and your immune system will become overall better at fighting off illnesses. That means that you won’t have to worry about getting sick as often which means you can get out and run even more.

5. Weight Loss

One of the obvious reasons to run is the weight loss factor because of how many calories running burns. People who consistently run while dieting have reported significantly better weight loss results compared to those who only diet.

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Image source: flickr/heikkisitala

6. Physically strong legs

Runner’s legs are a powerhouse. They move you from point A to B. They carry you up and down hills. They know how to put it into high gear at the track. They also will have a hard time fitting into skinny jeans when you are in the thick of marathon training.

7. Relieves stress

Running boasts the brain’s serotonin levels which make you calmer and more relaxed. Who said you can’t run away from your problems?

8. Increased bone density

Running stresses your bones. Essential minerals are sent to the bones when under stress, which makes them stronger. However, running does not make you unbreakable. You still can break a bone by thinking you can jump a 10-foot high fence.

9. Increased joint strength and stability

Running increases the strength of your ligaments and tendons. You’ll find your joints will be able to withstand more mileage and more uneven terrain. But that doesn’t mean you will never sprain your ankle again while trail running. It just may mean four weeks on crutches versus eight weeks if you didn’t run.

10. Increased confidence

Once you start running, your confidence begins to grow. You’ll feel more in control of your life and your body. You will even begin to think you look good in spandex tights.

Source: runhaven.com

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