10 reasons why you should run
I took up running a few months ago to lose weight. Before I started running, clothes shopping was nightmarish. The sales assistant would invariably guide me to the maternity section as regular clothes were too small for me. It had been a decade since my younger kid was born.
Before I was pregnant, I was slim enough to wear dresses off the mannequins in trendy fashion houses. Having to wear only maternity dresses so long after giving birth was utterly depressing.
Running helped me shed enough weight to fit into a regular size M. For some outfits, I could even wear a size S. Something I thought was impossible after all these years. Yet weight control is not the only reason I continued running.
Actually, I run because I'm hooked on running. I love running and the physical and psychological benefits that come with it.
#1 Weight loss
This is the main reason why many people start running. Running burns more calories per hour than most sports. Even a 30 minute run each day can make quite a difference.
#2 Fun
Heard about the runner's high? That is very real. Maybe initially, when you are getting used to the runs, you might feel more exhausted than high, but as you run more and more, you'll enjoy running. The endorphins kick in and leave you euphoric. Every morning, I look forward to my morning run before work because it gives me a great start each day. Running is a major mood booster.
#3 Stress Relief
If you are stressed out, go for a run.. That was the way your body was designed to deal with stress. When threatened, your body reacts with the flight or fight response with adrenaline coursing through your veins, preparing you to run or to fight back. In the days of the cavemen, that reaction would be appropriate when faced with a grizzly bear, but nowadays, when your boss or spouse stresses you out, or deadlines loom, what do you do?
You can't punch someone, but when you get the chance, you can don your running shoes and go for a quick run.
Running shoes
If your knee hurts, check whether your running shoes are worn out. Those shoes are the most important investment a person should make if one should take up running.
#4 Healthier Heart
The physical health benefits of running are tremendous. Running gives you a great cardiovascular workout. You heart gets a great workout as you run. Your artery-clogging cholesterol level goes down and your heart is healthier as a result.#5 A Stronger Body
As you run, your leg muscles get a great workout. Even your arms get a workout as you swing them to balance and for momentum. The more you use your muscles, the stronger they become. You get a stronger body as a result.Running socks
Socks keep feet drier and comfy, cushioning your feet as you run. It is worthwhile to invest in several pairs of good running socks.
#6 Immunity booster
Runners seldom fall sick. Running triggers off your immune system to produce more white blood cells. If you run regularly, your immunity gets a boost, so you have fewer colds.
Before I started running, I was on medical leave 2 to 3 times a month. Now that I run regularly, I rarely fall sick.
#7 Clears the mind
Running clears the mind. Physical activity brings more blood and oxygen to the brain. The endorphins running provides help us learn and remember things better. Running takes you away from the distractions of daily life and lets you see things from a different perspective.
Running shoes, running clothes and all the gear runners need from http://www.cosmetics-online.org#8 Beat Insomnia
Can't sleep at night? Try running in the morning. Running helps you sleep better at night
#9 Running gives you energy
I found that true for me. Yes, the first 2 weeks left me more exhausted, but as my body got used to the runs, I get an energy boost from my morning runs. It is better than caffeine as a way to kick start the day.
#10 Blood pressure
It has been found that running lowers blood pressure.
Compare prices on running shoes and sportswear at http://www.cosmetics-online.org
