The Physical Benefits Of Running Daily

Running has many addicts, and the reasons are obvious: It’s an activity that can be done in any location, in any weather, at virtually no cost. What’s more, the exercise benefits are enormous.

Physical benefits: Running burns calories like almost nothing else. It improves cardiovascular and muscular endurance, especially in the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteus muscles. Running can get you lean and toned, but as with most high-impact activities, it can be hard on the feet and joints.

Other advantages: Running can help give you more energy, a greater sense of well-being and reduce tension and anxiety. A recent study showed that aerobic exercise — which includes running — improves mood and creativity. Running can also increase your stamina in other aerobic exercises, such as swimming, bike riding, in-line skating and skiing.

Running Terms

• Runner’s high – A euphoric state of mind possibly caused by the release of endorphins (so-called feel-good chemicals in the brain)
• Shin splints – A painful tendon inflammation resulting from improper conditioning or running on a very hard surface
• Four-minute mile – The time it takes elite, world-class runners to complete a mile