Running (Credit: Canva)
Running is considered one of the best exercises. Not only does it boost your cardiovascular health and strengthen your bones, but it also triggers the release of feel-good hormones. Research has now discovered that running just for a few minutes every day at a moderate pace may help reduce your risk of death from heart attacks, strokes, and other common diseases. It also indicates that these benefits top off at 4.5 hours a week, meaning there is no need to run for hours each day.
A study titled Sports Medicine in 2015 found that endurance running was effective in providing substantial beneficial effects on body mass, body fat, resting heart rate, VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption), triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood) and HDL cholesterol (also known as good cholesterol) in physically inactive adults. The longer the length of training, the larger the achieved health benefits. Clinicians and health authorities can use this information to advise individuals to run and to support policies towards investing in running programs.
Running daily, even for a few minutes, has unparalleled health benefits. Health experts emphasise that it leads to a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease. It also promotes better sleep, mood, and concentration. However, it must be noted that a person should run 30 minutes, five days a week, for maximum longevity and health benefits.
Running daily increases the likelihood of overuse injuries, often caused by poor form or rapid mileage increases. To stay safe, you can follow the following practices.
To run safely, you can wear bright and reflective gear. Also, you can stick to well-lit, populated paths or tracks. Start with shorter, manageable runs if you are new. For advanced runners, structured training plans incorporating speed, hills, and recovery runs can improve performance while preventing burnout.
Yes, it is absolutely safe to run during winter. Here are some tips you can follow.
Essential Tips For Cold-Weather Running
If you wish to run and it is cold outside make sure to follow these essential guides that will help you avoid any potential harm or injuries. If you have a pre-existing condition you must speak to your healthcare professional before you start.
Warm Up Indoors First
Cold muscles are more prone to injury, so spend a few minutes warming up your body with dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and torso twists.
Hydration Is Key
While you may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, it's important to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased performance. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your run.
Beware Of Black Ice
The combination of colder temperatures and shorter days means black ice can be a sneaky hazard. Be cautious, especially early in the morning or after a snowfall.
Dress For (Slightly Warmer) Weather
The key to cold-weather running apparel is to dress in layers. This allows you to adjust your clothing as your body temperature changes. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, followed by a mid-layer for insulation, and an outer layer to protect you from the wind and rain.
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