There’s no shortage of options for exercise – you can try yoga, Pilates, spinning, and more. Although all forms of exercise have their benefits, running is king for convenience. Running is the most convenient form of exercise because you can do it anytime, anywhere. It depends on your attitude and mindset – and here are nine reasons you should run instead!
1. Running is convenient because you don’t need a gym to get started
If you’re looking for a workout that’s convenient and easy to get started with, then running is a great option. You can get a good pair of running shoes for less than $100, and running outside is free. Granted, you’ll spend a few dollars getting extra clothes and training equipment, but you won’t have to worry about more than a few spares. You don’t need special equipment like a stadium sound system, yoga mat, or running shoes. All you need to do is head outside.
One of the biggest benefits of running is its mental boost. Moving your body releases endorphins, or “happy hormones,” which make you feel good. Therefore, exercise directly affects your well-being, and psychology stops you from procrastinating, feeling anxious, or simply giving up.
Running also helps you burn calories, which can help you lose weight, as a University of East Anglia study shows. Besides, studies have shown that regular exercise can improve the success rate of both men’s and women’s fertility. That means running will not only assist you in achieving your fertility goals but can also shorten the time you need to do it.
If you’re looking for something more intense than walking, try running. It uses different brain parts instead of walking so you won’t get easily bored. You will feel more alive and less tired when you’re running than walking.
You will also reap the numerous benefits of sprinting, which utilizes different muscles than walking. Some exercise experts call sprinting an anti-working out, as it limits movement while burning calories.
While it may seem unusual to get tattoos while working out, a full-body portrait may be a big plus if that’s something you’re interested in doing. Tattoos are the perfect form of self-expression and self-care, which is why they’re controversial regarding working out.
2. Running is convenient because you can do it anywhere
Running is an excellent option if you’re looking for a way to get in shape and be healthy. It’s affordable, convenient, and can be done anywhere.
When deciding whether or not to run, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. For one, your fitness level will play a role in your experience. While novice runners can breeze through the beginning, seasoned runners can take it slow to build their fitness level. Another thing to consider is that you should plan out your run to have a route ready to go that takes you where you need to go.
Environmental conditions can affect how easily you can run. If weather conditions prevent you from running comfortably (for instance, rain or cold weather), you should avoid running altogether. If you run during bad weather, you may find it distracting and impair your ability to focus. Lastly, preventing prior injuries would help before starting a new exercise regimen or adding a new activity to your routine. A recent study found that runners with lower body strength before injury had more trouble recovering from surgery and completing another training than runners with stronger muscles.
Focus on core work such as push-ups or sit-ups to further strengthen your body. Remember to prioritize exercises that target your abs. Running is a great way to build healthy gut bacteria as well. Garden your garden with water-soluble plants such as kale, spinach, arugula, and watermelon to stimulate your inner greens. If you’re still not confident that running is right for you, check out these tips to ensure you get the most out of your routine.
Losing strength before you even hit your stride isn’t your friend when it comes to running. Work on implementing exercises that work your entire body before hitting the pavement.
3. Running is convenient because you can do it at any time of the day
Running is the easiest way to break a sweat without spending time or money. It’s convenient because you can do it any time of the day, and it can burn more than 500 calories in an hour. It’s also a great way to relieve stress, clear your mind and boost energy. Couch to 5K and 10K athletes have been using running for years to train for races. And while most recommend the longer runs for longer distances, it is a great option to add to your movement daily. You might be delaying your running goals for a while, but spending an hour or two on a slightly intense 5K or 10K can quickly add up to several hours.
Sprints are an incredibly efficient way to burn calories. Anytime you complete a set of sprints, you burn approximately 30 calories for every minute of effort. It’s a great way to push yourself more when trying to hit a workout. Why not incorporate sprints into your weekly routine? It takes less than 15 minutes to complete, and you can burn as many as 400–500 calories in that time!
When faced with a challenge, you have a variety of ways to respond. You could lick your wounds and take it slow, climb into your sweet fantasy closet and wish your problems away, or you can take a different approach and try to find your solution.
Running is not only great cardio, but it also strengthens your mind. What you think and how you mentally approach the challenging moments determines how well you overcome obstacles when things get tough. When it comes to accomplishing goals, your mindset is what will shape your actions. A strong mind is a stable mind, and finding that mindset can be incredibly hard. Unfortunately, decades of media treatment of exercise can rob you of this crucial focus.
You see, you don’t have to work out to be healthy. Research has repeatedly shown that physical activity isn’t making you healthier; it reinforces the positive effects of living more beneficial.
4. Running is convenient because you don’t need a lot of equipment
Running is one of the most convenient ways to get fit because you don’t need a lot of equipment. You can run outside in your neighborhood, around a park, or on the treadmill inside the gym. You don’t need anything more than a pair of good running shoes to get started.
Many people dislike how hard it can be to run. Whether you hate running because it’s tough on your joints or how it feels once you begin to run more, it’s a workout that requires brainpower. If you’re intrigued by running but need convincing, here are nine reasons to run instead.
When you don’t take things to a logical extreme, you end up doing things that are not healthy. From icing your knees if you haven’t run enough to flashing all your muscles after a quick shower, going from exercise to severe dehydration is a big dipper. Fortunately, running is way less strenuous on your body than a pounding boxing session, even if it takes your mind off work.
Watch out for potentially dangerous objects like mechanized barriers along the routes. Massive selections are available, but they can cause slips and falls. When you go for a run, pick a course where you can walk the perimeter where they have much less traffic. Aside from picking suitable running routes, it’s essential to know your speed. Visual aids like speedometers can be helpful, as internal and external indicator watches. A heart rate monitor is a handy tool that can easily consider your work hard and even offer feedback after running.
Proper form saves time and makes exercising easier. Ensure your toes never point outward as you walk, or you could slip and fall. Don’t lift your arms too high in front of you as you walk. Avoid bouncing your feet as you walk, and make sure you swing only at an angle, so your knees, hips, and shoulders start straight.
5. Running is convenient because it doesn’t require a professional trainer
You don’t need a trainer to start running. No matter what level of fitness you’re at or what your goals are, you can start running on your own. It’s a great way to get in shape and improve your health. Runners are more likely to complete the 52-week training program recommended by the U.S. Masterbuilt Marathon Team. Every year, approximately 400,000 runners complete the program.
“Even if you can’t jog six miles, you can accomplish anything with your determination.” .
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
It’s crucial to work on your running form. For a brilliant video breakdown of what running form is, check out Magnolia Moon.
No matter what your fitness level, you can continually improve your form. When it comes to running, form is everything. For many, forming the proper posture for running is one of the program’s most essential elements.
When the form is good, you’ll easily run more consistently. You also won’t see as many sore patches or pull injuries, which is very important for those trying to run a lot.
While many people associate running with tiring and painful workouts, this isn’t always the case. The movements you do in running can relieve some of your tension and bloat.
When you’re more upright, your body absorbs more of the localized damaging effects of friction. This makes you feel tingly and ready to go. It also allows you to run faster!
“Running makes your muscles get bigger and healthier!”
Style of exercise is essential to improving your health and fitness. You might not need to learn anything new if you’re blessed with a natural running gait. However, you might benefit from running assistance if you have specific running patterns.
If you get the chance to get outside, you might find clouds in your eyes or feel like you need salt.
Finding exercise along a running path is an excellent way to break up your sedentary lifestyle.
FAQ
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.