When you speak with Erica Coviello, it’s impossible not to feel enthusiastic about running. As a RRCA-certified running coach and personal trainer, she extols the virtues of running, highlighting how it can boost your aerobic endurance, enhance your VO2 max, unlock your inner athlete, and inspire you to train for a half marathon. But the benefits of running extend beyond just cardiovascular health. “Weight management, improved lung function, muscular endurance, strengthened bones,” she lists off with a laugh. “Should I continue?” Running may seem like a one-dimensional sport, but it actually leads to physical and mental changes that strengthen and improve your entire body.
Here are four key benefits of running that will convince you to lace up your shoes:
1. It contributes to muscular endurance: Running is excellent for building muscular endurance, which not only improves stamina for everyday tasks but also reduces the risk of injury. By engaging various muscle groups such as quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and core muscles, running helps these muscles become stronger over time. Additionally, your body becomes more efficient at utilizing oxygen and delivering it to the muscles being used, leading to improved overall muscle strength.
2. It makes your bones stronger: Contrary to the belief that running damages joints and bones, running actually boosts bone density. The stress placed on bones during running stimulates their growth and remodeling, resulting in stronger and more resilient bones. This is especially beneficial for preventing bone mass loss conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis as you age.
3. It improves your mental, social, and emotional well-being: Running not only triggers the release of mood-boosting brain chemicals but also offers cognitive and emotional benefits that extend beyond the “runner’s high.” Running can reduce stress, increase neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and enhance mindfulness. It can also provide social connections and opportunities for self-reflection, making it a holistic activity that benefits mental health.
4. It promotes whole-body health: Running can improve sleep quality, aid in weight management, and boost the immune system. Contrary to the myth that intense running suppresses the immune system, research shows that running strengthens immune function as long as adequate rest and recovery are prioritized. Running can also lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of diabetes by enhancing glycogen utilization.
In conclusion, running offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond cardio, impacting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With proper rest and recovery, running can be a transformative activity that enhances overall health and vitality.
