12 Better Reasons to Run Regularly

For many people, just the thought of running makes them out of breath and gives them shin splints. Short sprints have you lightheaded in seconds and long distance runs feel like they last forever. Either way, every single part of your body feels like it’s giving out and you couldn’t possibly imagine how something so torturous could be good for you.

Then, of course, there are those who practically revel in it. They can fire off an infinite number of reasons as to why they love running and they’ll tell just about anyone who will listen: it has suppressed their appetite, they’ve lost 10 pounds in no time, and “it has really slimmed down their thighs.” Their list is seemingly endless and it mainly involves things relating to weight loss. While that’s good enough for them, sometimes that reason alone isn’t a fool-proof motivator — especially when you are someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy running. After all, there are plenty of other ways to lose weight that don’t involve putting excessive pressure on your knees.

Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s important that you recognize that running has a tremendous amount of benefits other than their contribution to weight loss. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t just a great way to slim down and build endurance, but it’s a free elixir for curing all rough areas in your life. Experiencing an increase in stress lately? No problem, just throw on your sneakers and hit the road. Are you a smoker that’s looking to quit, but just can’t find a way to stick with it? Start running!

With these great reasons to run, you might find yourself racing to join the cult that once seemed like a bunch of brainwashed exercise zombies. Amirite?

1. Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that if 270 million Americans chose to run regularly, our life expectancy would collectively increase to about 5.6 years for women and 6.2 for men.

2. We would cut $143 billion in health care spending.

3. 48.1 million fewer cigarettes would be smoked per day.

4. We would also experience a reduction in anger and aggression that would result in 18% fewer divorces.

5. If the same number of Americans ran regularly, we would spend 14 billion fewer hours online.

6. 135 million fewer hours would be spent watching TV.

7. Running can boost your immune system and lower your risk of developing blood clots.

8. Disease will become less of a worry: it can help lower your risk of breast cancer and having a stroke.

9. It helps the arteries retain their elasticity and strengthens the heart, therefore reducing your chances of suffering a heart attack.

10. By setting and achieving goals through running, you will develop a greater sense of empowerment and experience a noticeable boost in your confidence and self-esteem.

11. Running forces your body to exert excess energy and hormones, resulting in stress relief and fewer tension headaches.

12. There are few things in the world that can treat depression as quickly and effectively as running can.

Need more reasons to fall in love with running? Check it out here. Plus, more ways to change up your workout, too.

Are you ready to start running regularly?