Running is so beneficial to your overall health in so many ways. It is a great way to shape up, lose (or maintain) weight, and by working your heart and lungs it reduces the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Running can improve the overall health level of an individual and fight against ageing. It helps to make the bones stronger which prevents fractures and bone damage.

Running has been proven to help fight disease. It can reduce the risk of stroke and breast cancer. Many doctors have prescribed running as a way to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension (high blood pressure). It can reduce the risk of heart attacks by strengthening the heart muscle and putting less strain on the arteries. This also helps to lower blood pressure levels and your resting heart rate will reduce as you get fitter.

Running helps to increase the overall health of a person. It raises the good cholesterol and lowers the bad cholesterol. Running also helps to boost the immune system by creating a higher concentration of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that attack diseases in the body.

Running has many psychological benefits as well. Running helps to build confidence and character. When you are able to run in, and finish, your very first road race you feel a tremendous amount of pride and accomplishment. Running also helps to relieve stress levels and can boost your overall attitude.

Running can give you a sense of freedom. It allows you to climb hills and tackle obstacles which helps you to feel empowered, in control and confident. Running has been used for years to combat feelings of depression and as a way to overcome addictions. It helps you to become focused and driven to overcome obstacles and challenges.

Many people begin a running routine in an effort to lose weight. People may turn to running whether they are obese and have a lot of weight to lose, or if they just want to tone up and firm up and shed a few measly pounds or to maintain their current weight. It has been estimated that 60% of runners began their running journey as a way to lose weight. Running is a high fat burning exercise. Running burns more calories per minute than almost any other form of exercise.