Running as a form of exercise can be a very healthy endeavor, however, it can be very stressful for the body. It is well known that running can extend your life, but continuous pounding on concrete can take a toll on the body over a number of years. Generally, a person needs to have some sort of strategy when it comes to this form of exercise.
Athletes can train at a moderately higher intensity level than the average Joe can. This is where the difference between safe and dangerous running exists. Sprinting too hard for too long is dangerous, but jogging will do the body good. Everyone is different based on age, ability, and health.
Positive Benefits of Running
It is important to realize that physical stress is stress and the body doesn’t know the difference; any type of exercise is a form of stress the body has to respond to.
The positive benefits of going a mile or two are numerous. Running will release endorphins that give the body a “feel good” feeling as well as a feeling of more energy. This release is good for the body as well as the mind because you build endurance afterward. Things such as improved heart rate, better blood flow, and overall body tone are some of the physical benefits you can have.
It is obvious that running can be a good exercise to use to lose weight. It uses nearly all the muscles in the body and burns a lot of calories. A moderate jog is sufficient for people overweight or beginners. Marathons should not be used as a weight-loss tool, even at a moderate pace; the distance is too great for people not accustomed to running long distances.
Negative Effects
Going too intensely may have negative effects on your body. Participating in a marathon without proper training can have dramatic effects on your body. The general idea is to build endurance. Endurance cannot be built in a short period of time; it takes time and training.
Sprinting is not an exercise for people overweight, it is too stressful on the body and an overweight person’s body can’t handle that amount of weight and intensity. A better idea is a moderate jog or even walking.
Running is also stressful on the joints such as the knees and ankles. If these joints become overworked they can break down. The body can become accustomed to running the “wrong way” things like the way your foot lands when you run, and the way your arms swing when you run can negatively affect your body throughout your run.
So when you are deciding whether to incorporate running into your fitness routine, just keep in mind that sometimes there can be better alternatives. If you have sufficiently built your endurance to a level that allows you to incorporate it into your routine, then I highly encourage you to do so!
Onward!