Some even believe that running can result in arthritis, which could be a concern for anyone already worried about joint pain. There's often a concern that running, while generally good for you, can exacerbate medical conditions, like arthritis. If you’re struggling to get started, try adding another walk into your routine each day, consulting a personal trainer, or teaming up with a running buddy. Running can be done almost anywhere and does not have a steep learning curve. It’s an activity that does not necessarily demand a heavy time or financial investment to fit into your life. Running is not only excellent for its benefits - but it is also relatively easy to get into, and often free. According to experts (opens in new tab) at Sports Medicine Australia, some of the benefits include: If you are thinking about dusting off your running gear, there are plenty of benefits to making running a regular part of your routine. (Image credit: Getty Images) What are the benefits of running? We discuss the mental health benefits to exercise overall in a separate investigation.
Talking to a medical professional can help you start on a journey to manage your mental well-being. As one study from 2012 (opens in new tab) put it, "A challenge of the study lies in the motivational techniques needed to exercise with depressed patients, which is proven to be difficult and it will take a serious effort not to exceed the calculated 30% drop-out patients in the intervention group." It can be hard to motivate yourself to work out when going through a depressive or anxious period. While the benefits for some people are clear, motivation techniques and professional help may need to be utilized as well. A 2020 study (opens in new tab) regarding running and mental health concluded that “running has important positive implications for mental health, particularly depression and anxiety disorders.” In other words, it is well-documented by professionals that running, and exercise in general, can positively impact your mental health. This stimulation can help relieve the effects of mild depression and anxiety. As exercise raises your endorphin levels (opens in new tab), it stimulates the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is connected to your mood. In terms of the mental impact of running, it is possible that training can improve your mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. (Image credit: Getty) The mental impact of running So, running can be good for you provided that you take care of yourself while you train. To avoid injuries like these, it is important to wear proper footwear, stretch carefully, build your endurance gradually, and listen to what your body needs. However, we recommend consulting a doctor if you experience ongoing issues. Injuries like the ones above are normally treatable with ice, medication, and plenty of rest.
Stress fractures: A small crack in a bone caused by repeated stress over time.Shin splints: a type of shin pain, usually improved with rest, ice, and gentle exercise.ITB syndrome: Short for iliotibial band syndrome, this is an injury to your IT band, which extends down the length of your outer thigh.Runner’s knee: Pain around the kneecap or general knee area, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.Achilles tendinitis: The inflammation of a tendon in the calf caused by overuse.
Plantar fasciitis: a pain in the bottom of your foot or in your heel area.Common injuries that runners experience include (opens in new tab): In other words, pushing yourself too hard is more likely to cause injuries. However, it is vital to remember that running could cause injury, especially if you overdo it.Ī 2014 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (opens in new tab), found that when 202 runners were assessed over one year, “Novice runners who progressed their running distance by more than 30% over a 2-week period seem to be more vulnerable to distance-related injuries than runners who increase their running distance by less than 10%.” These benefits can significantly improve your overall quality of life as well as your self-confidence. The CDC (opens in new tab) also adds that running as part of your daily routine can also help build stronger bones and muscles while managing your weight and improving sleep. According to experts at Public Health England (opens in new tab), running, along with most forms of exercise, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues, type two diabetes, cancer, and other physical ailments. Running regularly can have a wide range of benefits for your body.