With Spring time offering us some beautifully mild weather and some of South Australia’s iconic road and trail runs upcoming, now is the perfect time to lace up your shoes are start running!
For non- runners, the word ‘running’ can be daunting, scary and uncomfortable. Those who do run look at it from a completely different perspective! Running can be meditative, challenging, adventurous and exciting all rolled into one. Whether you’re an elite runner, a seasoned weekend warrior or contemplating getting started these facts are for you!
- Running can improve anxiety and depression. A 2021 study found that a 10 minute moderate intensity run stimulates the pre-frontal cortex and helps with mood regulation and executive decision making!
- Running can improve your immune system. A 2022 study found that people who run 5 days per week are 43% less likely to get upper respiratory tract infections.
- Running can improve bone density. Considered a ‘high impact’ activity, regular running can help us lay down additional bone cells which can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis and fractures.
- Running helps burn calories! Weight management is one of the main reasons people take up running. A 2011 study evaluating 100,000 runners found that increased milage helped to fight off that beer belly!
References
Damrongthai, C., Kuwamizu, R., Suwabe, K., Ochi, G., Yamazaki, Y., & Fukuie, T. et al. (2021). Benefit of human moderate running boosting mood and executive function coinciding with bilateral prefrontal activation. Scientific Reports, 11(1). doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-01654-z
Nieman, D., Henson, D., Austin, M., & Sha, W. (2022). Upper respiratory tract infection is reduced in physically fit and active adults. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2011;45:987-992.
Williams, P. (2011). Exercise Attenuates the Association of Body Weight with Diet in 106,737 Runners. Medicine &Amp; Science In Sports &Amp; Exercise, 43(11), 2120-2126. doi: 10.1249/mss.0b013e31821cd128