Twenty Minutes a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!

Run for your life You may be fond of running for that feel of fresh air. But there's a lot more than that. A great deal of benefits comes with this rigorous exercise. These include weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, bone health, better mood and mental activities. Surely, a 20-min run a day keeps the doctor away. Reports have it that runners, aside from being fit, are happier and less stressed than those who do not run or exercise regularly. Running has the ability to add zest to your day-to-day as it facilitates release of endorphins. These hormones create a sense of euphoria or what they call "runner's high" that can eventually improve mood. Running can also lower your stress levels. The running act itself allows the mind to focus on the task at hand. It takes your thoughts off your worries at home or at work. This is a good practice for the brain to have better prioritizing and concentration skills. A superb way to slow down the aging process is to have that regular run. One upfront sign of aging is the weakening of bones and loss of muscle mass. Those who run regularly are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss as they age. Those who have inactive lifestyle usually have weaker bones when they get older. When this happens, the individual is more likely to be susceptible to osteoporosis upon reaching the age of 50. 9 Important Facts about Running 1. Running serves as a remedy. The psychological benefits of running even outweigh the physical demands. It is even used to treat clinical depression and other psychological disorders. 2. Running is used to treat addiction to drugs and alcohol. 3. Running also helps maximize the lungs' potential. It keeps the lungs strong and powerful. 4. Running helps lower blood pressure by maintaining the elasticity of the arteries. 5. Running strengthens the heart and helps prevent heart attacks. It helps keep the cardio system efficient and strong. 6. Running allows a person to burn an average of 100 calories per each mile. While the average human being burns about 2000-2500 calories a day by simply existing, running 5 miles a day can burn an additional 500 calories, making it a lose-weight tool. 7. Running does not increase appetite. The truth is, running, like exercise, regulates appetite and suppresses it whenever necessary. 8. Running increases sex drive. Several studies have shown that those who exercise regularly have sensed an increase in their sex drive in no time. One study also showed that a person at his 40s or 60s typically has the same amount of sex drive as non-athletes 20 years younger if he has a regular run. The same study found that men who run are more able to achieve and maintain an erection, and women who run are more easily aroused and have better orgasms. 9. Running improves sleep. It can be a helpful tool in dealing with insomnia and sleeping difficulties. Several studies on the link between running and better sleep found that runners had greater sleep efficiency than the non-runners. You don't need to run races or train like athletes to receive the benefits of running. Just the recommended 20-minute-a-day run could help you have better physical and mental health. You'll sleep better, be happier, and stronger. You do not even have to think twice about hitting the pavement. Run for your life or rather, run for a better life! To learn more about how to maintain bone and muscle health, please visit sherpa-strength.com.