Introduction
Over the years, running has become an extremely popular sport across the age divide. While many people simply run for fun, others do so from the realization of the physical benefits that the sport can bring. With the spread of unhealthy eating habits, there have been increased calls for every American to constantly watch their health through rigorous exercises. This has led to the mushrooming of facilities offering different kinds of exercises for hefty fees. Given the ever-increasing inflation rates and the recent economic depression, many people have been forced to revert to running since it is cost-free. Some of the benefits that people derive from this exercise are the shedding of extra weight, enhanced cardiovascular fitness, and muscle development among other benefits. (Fixx, 1977)
Main Text
For anyone having the desire to shed off some pounds, running is an ideal exercise for helping them to attain their desired body weight. The thing that makes running an ideal exercise for anyone willing to lose weight is because much energy is used in the process. This requirement means that many calories are burned up during the exercise something that leads to decreased weight. Ideally, the calories burned up while running are more than would be used during other exercises like walking or yoga sessions. Even for people who are not looking to shed extra weight, running encourages them to eat a healthy diet to compensate for the calories consumed in the exercise, which in turn improves their lifestyle. (Sadler, n.d)
On top of this, running helps in improving one’s cardiovascular health. Running has been noted as one of the few exercises that lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients and aids in the maintenance of artery elasticity. The enhanced elasticity helps in alleviating cases of a heart attack in obese people. For people who are conscious of their looks, running is the ideal exercise for them since it slows down the aging process. This happens because runners have a lower likelihood of bone and muscle loss compared to non-runners. Additionally, their bones grow and harden in response to the increased physical demands. This makes them avoid the risk of osteoporosis, which is common among aged people. (Galloway, 1984)
On another level, running is known to bring about numerous psychological benefits. Recent research has shown beyond doubt that runners exhibit a higher level of happiness and are less likely to be stressed compared to non-runners. This is due to the effect of an enzyme called endorphin, which is released when one is in flight. Scientifically, endorphin is known to create a “sense of euphoria” something that boosts the moods of the runner. On top of this, regular runners have been known to sleep soundly and exhibit high levels of concentration at any time of the day. (Sadler, n.d)
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits associated with running, which makes it an ideal exercise for many people. For anyone looking for an easy and inexpensive way to boost their health, running should be their sport of choice. With many Americans worried about their weight, running might be the only factor that will help in alleviating their fears. This might also be the sport that people who are concerned about their looks in old age should consider adopting. This is because running has been found to reduce the risk of bone and muscle wasting that happens at the advanced stage of life. On top of this, the hardening of bones associated with running reduces the risk of osteoporosis that is common among the aged.
References
Fixx, J. (1977) The Complete Book of Running. New York: Random House.
Galloway, J. (1984) Galloway’s Book on Running. Bolinas, California: Shelter Publications.
Sadler, E. (n.d) The Benefits of Running. Web.