Benefits of Running Part 1
Part 1
Over the last year while the world has been contending with the COVID 19 pandemic, we have seen activity behaviors influenced greatly due to inaccessibility of our regular venues for exercise, sport and recreation. Given the accessibility of running, this form of cardiovascular exercise gained popularity early in the pandemic.
There have been a multitude of studies on the topic of running, not to mention cardiovascular exercise in general, and the benefits that can come from committing to a regular routine. Some of these benefits you may know off the top of your head, others that you read in this article may be new to you.
As health care professionals, we always love to promote physical activity – and running can be a great, cost effective activity to start off with. However, it can also come with some risks, would we be well rounded practitioners if we didn’t look at both sides of the story?
Let’s explore both the pros and cons of running over this two-part series article, and whether it may be the right form of exercise for you! Look out for Part 2 in the next issue of Great Health GuideTM.
1. Improves Heart Health
To start off with the positives, we know that cardiovascular exercise (as the name suggests) is excellent for our heart health! Cardio exercise (also known as aerobic exercise) includes things like jogging, cycling, swimming, and skipping. This type of training is designed to increase your breathing and heart rate, putting a small amount of good stress on your heart and lungs to help strengthen them! Particularly relating to the COVID 19 pandemic, studies have shown that the physiological response to this form of exercise improves cardiovascular health and creates a protective effect against the virus. If we have a fit heart and lungs, we are less likely to contract viruses, and we are also less likely to have detrimental health consequences if we do contract a virus!
2. Strengthens Musculoskeletal System
Alongside strengthening your heart and lungs, you will also be strengthening your musculoskeletal system which includes your bones, joints, and muscles. The right amount of weight bearing activities such as walking and running increase bone mineral density, tendon and muscle strength and endurance. These factors are particularly important as we age, because along with age comes weaker and more brittle bones as well as loss of muscular strength. That’s why exercise is such an important part of your daily routine consistently, not just for a short weight loss challenge or in the lead up to an event!
1. Improves Mental Health
Aside from the physical benefits of running, there are also many studies linking cardiovascular exercise with improved mental health. Most frequently reported are mood and wellbeing improvements. And as if you needed more convincing, studies have shown great correlation between running and cessation of cigarette smoking, weight loss, improved confidence and body image!
Have we started to convince you yet? Look out for Benefits of Running: Part 2, in the next issue of Great Health GuideTM as we go through the risk factors to watch out for when starting your jogging program.
Margarita Gurevich is senior physiotherapist and uses Clinical Pilates, SCENAR Therapy & other evidence-based techniques, including Real Time Ultrasound and McKenzie Treatment. Margarita specialises in sports injuries, women’s health (including incontinence) and gastrointestinal issues.
Charlotte Allen is an exercise physiologist and has extensive experience in assessment and exercise prescription for management and treatment of injuries, pain and chronic disease. She has over eight years of experience working with clients to achieve their goals both in the fitness industry as well as the clinical environment.
Margarita & Charlotte may be contacted via the Health Point Physiotherapy website.