Saturday, February 2, 2008

Why jog and run?

Other people run for different reasons. A lot of runners, especially young ones, get into it for the competition. They want to see how fast they can run a mile or whether they can beat their next-door neighbor in the local 5K. Other people run primarily for psychological reasons. They like the stress relief, reflection time, and sense of being in control that running brings.
Here’s a baker’s dozen of some of the most popular reasons to run:
  1. Running is a great way to lose weight.
  2. Regular aerobic exercise, such as running, decreases the risk of heart disease.
  3. Running is one of the most effective ways to improve cardiovascular fitness.
  4. Running is a great way to quit smoking.
  5. Regular aerobic exercise reduces the risk of some cancers.
  6. When you become fitter by running, you’re more likely to improve other aspects of your lifestyle, such as your diet.
  7. Running is the most convenient of sports; you can do it almost anytime, anywhere.
  8. People who have a high level of physical fitness usually have a positive self-image.
  9. Running is cheap; all you need are a good pair of running shoes and a few pieces of running apparel.
  10. Fitter people are more productive on the job.
  11. Running with others is a great way to build friendships.
  12. Being fit increases mental sharpness; regular exercisers are able to concentrate longer and are better problem solvers.
  13. Running is one of the best stress relievers around.
You might have noticed that some of these reasons can apply to other forms of exercise, such as cycling or walking. I have nothing against these sports, but you might have also noticed that some of these reasons only pertain to running.

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