Why a Running Routine is Worth the Effort
By Genevieve Cunningham
Running is a tough, wonderful, frustrating workout for many people. It requires dedication, a certain amount of willpower, and a willingness to work through soreness and stressed breathing. Perhaps this is why so many people forget about running altogether. There are so many other ways to work out … why worry with running? While you certainly don’t have to run to get fit, there may be a few reasons to give it a shot. If you’re on the fence about quitting your routine, take a look at these reasons why it may be worth the effort to stick it out.
It Burns Calories and Fat
Running is a great way to burn calories and shrink fat cells. Since running requires the use of just about every muscle in the body, it begins to really burn calories as you keep moving. The faster you run, the more likely you are to burn a higher number of calories. Many also find that the act of running begins to tighten their jiggly spots and shrink their fat cells. If you want something that helps you lose weight and tone up, running is an excellent cardio choice.
It Helps You Feel Motivated and Accomplished
One of the great things about running is that it can really get you motivated. It’s hard, right? Think about how accomplished you feel after doing something difficult. After a good run, especially one that you didn’t want to begin, you’ll feel incredibly worked out and satisfied. You may find that your motivation begins to creep upward and that your sense of self accomplishment rises along with it.
It Leads to Better Endurance
Running is a cardio exercise, which means that it improves your lung function and your body’s overall stamina. Do you get tired walking from the back of the parking lot? Going upstairs? Hanging out at the zoo? Running can improve all of these areas, as it improves our endurance as a whole. If you want to walk or run further or longer in everyday life, running is a great way to naturally improve your body’s ability to do just that.
Running is tough; there’s certainly no denying the challenge. But it may be a challenge worth tackling. It may be worth it to buy the shoes, hit the trail, and suck air for a while. It will be hard. It will hurt. It will require self-discipline. But if you can meet the challenge, you may find your body and health improve like never before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.