Yes, Im one of those people who is going to tell you that running isn’t horrible. I may actually be running’s biggest fan! However at one point, I was just like many of you.. I dreaded the thought of tying up my shoes, and getting my butt in gear!

So what changed my mind? Running has so many health benefits! I will be the first to admit it can be hard, and tiring at first, but if you can persevere through it, you will find yourself reaping all the benefits. These are my top 5 reasons to run:

  1. Mood Booster : running (and any exercise) releases endorphins into your brain, which are responsible for help regulating your mood. By releasing endorphins, you shrink the amount of serotonin in your brain…resulting in a much better mood!
  2. Strengthens Lungs & Bronchi : running elevates your heart rate, make your lungs work harder to breathe. By doing this your lungs, over time will get stronger. People who have had asthma or have a past history of smoking will benefit greatly by strengthening their lungs.
  3. Weight Loss : The benefit many people are aware of. When you get moving, your breaking down fat in the body, which is what you need to do to lose weight. Running is a great way to torch calories (up too 800cal/hr).  Running also helps to strengthen muscles, the more muscle mass you have the more calories you will burn post workout, thus also helping with over all weight loss.
  4. Improves Posture : While running you have to engage your back and core muscles, over time these muscles will strengthen too. Having strong core and back muscles are key to having proper posture. You may find your back starts to ache if you sit completely straight for long periods of time, that is caused by bad posture. With running, over time you will no longer have that problem
  5. Improves Circulation : Many people have poor circulation, meaning muscles aren’t arent getting enough oxygen. Running makes the heart work harder, pumping more blood throughout the entire body, in turn, oxygenating muscles. Good circulation also promotes flushing toxins from the body, which can help with clear skin.

Have I made you want to get up and run yet? …I mean go running, not run away! Everyone can benefit from running in some way, so get up and try. Think your too out of shape? Think your lungs are too far gone? NO WAY! Everyone has to start somewhere! Below I have included a running schedule to follow, for anyone looking to try their hand at running! (or should I say try their ‘leg’ at running).

 

Running For Beginners

WEEK 1 – Alternate walk/run x 4                                                                                                          2 min walk/ 2 min run (total mins running – 8)

WEEK 2 – Alternate walk/run x 4                                                                                                          2 min walk/ 3 min run (total mins running – 12)

WEEK 3 – Alternate walk/run x 4                                                                                                          2 min walk/ 4 min run (total mins running – 16)

WEEK 4 – Alternate walk/run x 4                                                                                                          2 min walk/ 5 min run (total mins running – 20)

WEEK 5 – Alternate walk/run x 4                                                                                                          1 min walk/ 5 min run (total mins running – 20)

WEEK 6 – Alternate walk/run x 4                                                                                                       30 sec walk/ 5 min run (total mins running – 20)

WEEK 7 – Alternate walk/run x 2                                                                                                          1 min walk/ 10 min run(total mins running – 20)

WEEK 8 – Alternate walk/run x 2                                                                                                          30 sec walk/ 10 min run (total mins running – 20)