Ask runners why they enjoy running and the most common answer you’ll get is “endorphin rush”. Running can boost your mood and bring a smile to your face due to those natural feel-good chemicals that your body produces. This feeling is mostly known as ‘runners high’.
Running is an intense cardio workout that can help shed excess calories across your whole body. Running at least 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 175 calories according to Harvard Health Publishing. If you already achieved your ideal weight, running will also be great for maintaining it as it improves metabolism and encourage muscle growth.
Runners can live longer than those who don’t. Multiple studies also suggest that having poor cardio fitness is more deadly than smoking. This is why a lot of health professionals recommend running to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart attacks.
Running has been shown to keep cognitive abilities from declining and can help guard against Alzheimer’s disease. A 10-minute cardio session can help produce a protein called cathepsin-B which improves learning and memory function.
Unlike going to the gym where you are stuck in one place, running provides you with the opportunity to explore beautiful places and enjoy the fresh air around you. You can also save money since you won’t be paying for a gym membership.
When you run, you sweat, and you remove the dirty toxins in your body. Running also increases collagen production and blood circulation which translates to a more glowy and radiant complexion!
There has been solid evidence that running for two weeks significantly improves your sleep quality. However, experts suggest avoiding running an hour before bed as it can negatively affect your sleeping pattern.
When life gives you stress make running a habit. Running can help release endorphins that will make you feel happy and relaxed. Running also gives you the chance to be alone with your thoughts which is effective for treating stress and anxiety.
Running is a trendy physical activity that serves as a bridge to meet other like-minded people. Whether you join a running club or just run across your neighbourhood, chances are you’ll bump into runners who can turn into lifelong friends. If you joined us in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon last year, you probably met a lot of new runners and you can’t deny that it’s one of the best things when joining an event!
Having a running goal and accomplishing it can boost your confidence. But the feeling you get when you finish a race still hits differently!