Running
Running is one of the best exercises you can do for your body, your mind and your waistline. While running isn't for everyone, it is one of the most accessible activities there is- all you need is a good pair of running shoes and an iPod nano (ok, you don't really NEED the nano). While running comes very natural to most of us, building up endurance for running takes time, patience, and persistence. If you just take it slow and gradual, you can start calling yourself a 'runner' in no time. (As with any change in your exercise level, you should consult your doctor before starting a new running regimen.)Benefits
There are plenty of benefits to a regular running routine - running can make you feel good, look good, breathe easier, more coordinated, more energized and it's great for your bones and your heart. Some people run just because they enjoy it, others run to lose weight, clear their mind, or improve their health.
Running is one of the most effective ways to manage your weight because it burns a ton of calories. When you're burning more calories than you're consuming, you lose weight. To lose one pound of body weight, your body must burn 3,500 more calories than it consumes. Since most runners can easily burn 500 calories in less than an hour, running once a day can help you lose about a pound a week (assuming no change in your diet). Of course, the actual amount of calories you burn depends on a number of factors, including your weight and how fast you run.
Running regularly can be great for your heart health as well. Running can lower your blood pressure and help give your arteries a good workout to keep them functioning smoothly. When you run, your arteries expand and contract much faster than they do normally - so you're actually improving the way your body functions with each stride! Running can also help slow down the aging process. People who run regularly experience slower loss in bone and muscle than sedentary people. Running helps strengthen your muscles and bones so they are not as susceptible to weakening as you age.
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