Why do people daily put on their running shoes, lace up and head out the door to pound the pavement? The amount of energy and effort it takes to put one foot in front of the other, and to keep a good pace going seems exhausting and draining. Running may not always be appealing, but it does promote healthy physical benefits, positive mental impacts, as well as forming good eating habits. The combination of all three is what keeps runners going day after day, mile after mile.
One of the most important impacts of running are the cardiovascular benefits. Running gives the body a cardiovascular workout that brings the heart rate up and helps to strengthen the muscle known as the heart. According to the American Heart Association, “heart disease and stroke are the #1 and #5 killers in America”. Being physically active for 30 minutes a day, for 5 days a week will help reduce the risks of these two diseases. Developing a 30 minute routine each day is a good way for a person to begin. The routine may be to begin walking one mile and increasing distance as well over time and incorporating jogging with the walking;
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Dopamine is the chemical that gives the body the motivation to take action toward goals, desires, needs, and gives a surge of reinforcing pleasure when achieving them. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for maintaining mood balance in the body. When these two endorphins are released together the effects are powerful because they help to promote a more positive mental attitude, and as a result the runner is helping to reduce stress levels and helps to maintain a jubilant attitude. Like other chemicals absorb by the body; the body becomes dependent on those chemicals and the body develops the “crave” for more, otherwise known as the runners