Follow the science is now a familiar phrase, but instead of following the science, perhaps we should be running after it. Countless studies have shown a myriad of positive results you can experience from running.
You may be wondering how long you have to run before your body starts to experience some of the positive effects of running. Well, it turns out, 30 minutes is all it takes.
30 Minutes
Running runs the blues away. In fact, running can help you beat depression, anxiety, and stress. After a good 30 minutes, you start to relax because your run reduced the activity in your frontal cortex.
Along with a better mood, running can increase your creativity and help you focus. If you combine the 30 minutes of running with warmups and stretching, you can boost your metabolism for the remainder of the day.
A 30-minute run helps regulate blood pressure and brings down your blood sugar. Running will also help you burn calories. Even after the run is done, you will burn another 190 calories, no matter what else you do or don’t do. You will also gain confidence and boost your memory.
One Month
After only a month, your brain will grow more grey matter. Your sleep will improve, which is another brain boost. Your positive mood may even inspire others to take up running.
With your newfound love of running, you will have a greater chance of running past and leaving bad habits in the dust. With your energy, positive mood, and brainpower, you can replace those bad habits with healthy ones.
Six Months
Running starts to feel easy and fun at this point in your running journey. Running may even be positively affecting your love life. Men can look forward to increased testosterone and women will experience enhanced arousal.
If you were previously sedentary, six months of running can get your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar at healthy levels and reduce inflammation.
One Year
The longer you run, the more adept you are at running. Your body adapts and strengthens. Contrary to belief, running can prevent knee and back problems.
Mentally and emotionally, you will be operating at your best. You will be able to make decisions and maintain a positive outlook. You will also benefit from looking and feeling better. You will express emotions and affection without feeling as burdened by worry and depression.
Ten Years and Beyond
Running is great for preventing the age-related problems we often face. Running makes weight gain less likely. A great number of women suffer from osteoporosis, but running maintains bone health, strengthens core muscles, and prevents bad posture.
If you keep running, your heart will appreciate your effort, and certain cancers are less likely to catch up with you.
You will still look good. Running will help your skin look fresh. It can reduce up to nine years of aging and help you live longer with a better quality of life, both mentally and physically.
Running is a vital part of an equation that balances out in your favor. Running leads to better health, happiness, improved sleep, better cognitive function, longevity, and healthier and happier relationships.
There are many variations of running, and you can even start out by walking. Ideally, you want to mix different types of exercise. The most important part is to get up and get going. All it takes is thirty minutes to change your heart, your health, and your life.
If you need help getting started, a running coach can get you off and running in the right direction and help you stay motivated. Our experienced running coaches at Personal Running Solutions want to help you start and stay running. Contact PRSJax for more information and to meet our coaches.