Running Routine Basics

During military training, running is a part of the daily routine. But for many in the general population, running can be a scary proposition. Fear of injuries, arthritis and a general lack of information keep a lot of people from incorporating running into their fitness routines. However, understanding the many physical and mental benefits of running is important; it?s one of the simplest forms of exercise to work into your schedule.

?Does Running Cause Arthritis?

Runners are often questioned about the state of their knees and other joints. Non-runners are fearful that pounding the pavement can cause irreparable damage to their body, leading to serious injury and arthritis.

In reality, those who do not run may be more at risk than their active counterparts.

Excessive running is falsely believed to cause the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), which occurs when cartilage breaks down and deteriorates.

Yet, running is known to directly counteract the number one risk factor for OA, excess weight. According to?Runner?s World, ?Sedentary, overweight people are 45 percent more likely to develop QA than those who are active.?

?The Health Benefits?

Incorporating running into your routine does more than help you lose weight. ?Aerobic exercise improves most body functions,? says Dr. James Fries, professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Frequent running has been known to reduce the risk of having a heart attack, developing osteoporosis or suffering from blood clots. Also, runners often have healthy immune systems due to a high production of lymphocytes in their blood.

?Mental Benefits

There are many mental health benefits to running. In some situations it has even been used to treat mental illnesses such as depression, drug and alcohol addiction.

The University of Georgia?s Department of Exercise found that exercise in general was three times more likely to reduce anxiety than resting alone, according to?Women?s Health.

?Necessary Precautions

Wearing supportive shoes, properly rehabbing injuries and incorporating rest days into your schedule is the best way to prevent problems from arising. While running doesn?t directly cause arthritis, improperly caring for injuries can. It is important to be responsible while running.

Tagged as: Cardio, Running, Running Tips

Source: http://www.veteransunited.com/fitness/the-basics-of-a-running-routine/

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