Short & Long Term Beneficial Effects of Running

Running on a regular basis has more benefits than simply staying active. The benefits of running have an immediate and long term effect on your health and general well-being. According to MayoClinic.com, the long term and short term benefits of running are equal for everyone, regardless of gender, age or physical condition. Before implementing a running routine talk with a doctor, especially if you have medical concerns.

Running engages most parts of the human body in high-impact movements. This exercise increases your heart rate, burns calories and strengthens leg, arm, and core muscles. Each person is capable of different distances and paces while running. If you find that you are unable to run and talk at the same time you need to slow down your pace. The more you run, the greater capacity your lungs will have. Over a few weeks, increase the distance and pace of your run to continue to develop your running skills.

Short term benefits from running include increased mental clarity, a boost in energy and improved sleep. Running stimulates the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine and endorphins that make you feel relaxed and happy. This can improve self-esteem and confidence, reports MayoClinic.com. These chemical releases also cause an increase in your energy levels. More oxygen is delivered to your tissues, improving sustainability. Running regularly can also improve your sleep, especially if you have trouble sleeping.

Running on a regular basis can prevent certain diseases, such as stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Running burns a lot of calories, which can contribute to consistent weight loss. Losing weight can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol. Running might also promote living a long life, when combined with a diet low in saturated fat. A 2012 study conducted by the American Academy of Sports Medicine concluded that people who ran 20 miles weekly had a 19 percent decrease in the risk of death, according to TheHeart.org.

Implement a stretching routine before and after you run to prevent pulling a muscle. After running you need to allow a 5 minute cool-down time to allow the body to slowly return to a state of rest. This helps your body experience all the benefits running has to offer. If you become short of breath, feel nauseous, vomit or pass out, stop running and make an appointment with your primary physician.