The Benefits of Running

By Adrian Houston

The Benefits of Running

A teacher for the past 20 years, Adrian Houston is an avid runner.

There are a number of reasons why running provides benefits to both a person's body and mind. The majority of runners take up the routine in order to lose weight. Second only to cross country skiing, running is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercises for burning calories. Running also prevents muscle and bone loss. Additionally, running combats diseases such as stroke, breast cancer, diabetes, and a variety of other conditions. 

The Benefits of Running

While most people start running for the physical reasons, they quickly realize a number of mental benefits. It is an excellent method of stress relief. It improves a runner’s general attitude due to the increase in endorphin levels. Because of the necessity to constantly overcome obstacles such as time, speed, and distance, it helps train one's mind to achieve goals. All of these benefits combined, both the physical and mental elements, bring about a more confident mental state overall.