Benefits of running

While there is the potential for injury in running (just as there is in any sport), there are many benefits. Some of these benefits include potential weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle mass, increased bone density, and an improved emotional state^[17]. Following a consistent routine of running can increase HDL levels, reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease.^{[citation needed]} Running, like all forms of regular exercise, can effectively slow^[1] or reverse^[12] the effects of aging.
Running can assist people in losing weight and staying in shape. Different speeds and distances are appropriate for different individual health and fitness levels. For new runners, it takes time to get into shape. The key is consistency and a slow increase in speed and distance. While running, it is best to pay attention to how one's body feels. If a runner is gasping for breath or feels exhausted while running, it may be beneficial to slow down or try a shorter distance for a few weeks. If a runner feels that the pace or distance is no longer challenging, then the runner may want to speed up or run farther.^{[citation needed]}
Running can also have psychological benefits, as many participants in the sport report feeling an elated, euphoric state, often referred to as a "runner's high".^[3] Running is frequently recommended as therapy for people with clinical depression and people coping with addiction.^[4]
In animal models, running has been shown to increase the number of newly born neurons within the brain.^[5] This finding could have significant implications in aging as well as learning and memory.
There are many places that offer running evaluations such as if one is interested in learning how to improve their running techniques with a physiotherapist. 

For more information please feel free to contact our Westboro physiotherapy, Orleans physiotherapy, or Barrhaven physiotherapy locations our contact information can be found at www.orleansphysiotherapy.com.

http://www.ottawasportphysiotherapy.com/services/runningevaluation/
http://www.barrhavenphysiotherapy.com/services/runningevaluation/
http://www.westborophysiotherapy.ca/services/runningevaluation/
http://www.orleansphysiotherapy.com/services/runningevaluation/

1. ^ Phys Ed: Why Doesn’t Exercise Lead to Weight Loss?
2. ^ Exercise Could Slow Aging Of Body, Study Suggests
3. ^ Exercise 'can reverse ageing'
4. ^ Boecker H et al., Cereb Cortex (2008); 18(11)2523–31. The Runner's High: Opiodergic Mechanisms in the Human Brain
5. ^ "Health benefits of running". Free Diets. http://www.freediets.com/endurance-training/the-benefits-of-running. 
6. ^ van Praag H, Kempermann G, Gage FH (March 1999). "Running increases cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the adult mouse dentate gyrus". Nat. Neurosci. 2 (3): 266–70. doi:10.1038/6368. PMID 10195220.