From dancing, swimming, fishing, rowing, Tai Chi, rock-climbing, bowling, and others, including those that may not be unanimously agreed on or openly mentioned as exercising, the list of exercise activities to engage in is endless.
So, in case you just saw the need to begin exercising but are still sitting on the fence, undecided on what exercise activities to engage in, below are some reasons why running could be your best bet.
1. It is one of the most effective ways to lose weight.
Compared to other forms of exercise, running burns more calories. It is a high-intensity exercise that burns more calories compared to other exercises. Consequently, it is an efficient way to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.
2. It is the cheapest to start and engage in
Some will say all you need to start running is a good pair of running shoes and a wristwatch. But yours truly started running with none of those. You can run barefoot without a wristwatch, but to the general population, a shoe is necessary.
Running requires minimal equipment and can be done anywhere, making it a convenient and cost-effective exercise option. You can run in your neighbourhood, at the park, or on a treadmill.
3. Running can be done almost anywhere
To engage in swimming exercises, you will need to find a swimming pool through various means, from being a club member to being a guest at a hotel, among other means. Likewise, many other forms of exercise must be done inside a sports facility.
However, you can run anywhere, as long as it is at a place that is open to the public. Some runners even run as a way of commuting daily to their workplaces and save on their transport costs.
4. It has the flexibility to be done individually or in a group
Some exercise activities, like tennis, require a partner to be able to engage in them. Others –like volleyball- need a team on one side against a team on the other side. On the other hand, whether one is alone or in the company of over 400 others, nothing will stop them from going for a run.
5. A runner can easily enter into competitions/races to gauge their fitness
As a boxer, for example, I can imagine how hard it will be to get into a fight -to test your skills- without getting in trouble!
A runner, on the other hand, can simply sign up for one of the road running events and get a chance to run against other runners. Participating in competitions helps one measure themselves against other runners and see where to improve their running.
6. Has many short and long-term health benefits
Running benefits and strengthens the body's musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.
Regular running has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. It can also help improve overall physical and mental well-being, leading to a healthier and happier life.
By strengthening the heart and the lungs, running helps improve blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Running improves bone density since it is a weight-bearing exercise that helps build and maintain strong bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.
Running is also a stress reliever. It releases endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones, that can improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. This can help in enhancing mental well-being and promoting better sleep.
7. Running makes daily tasks easier to do
Running increases the general endurance and stamina that does not necessarily go into running competitions but also works in daily life activities. Regular running helps make everyday tasks easier by building up the body's tolerance to physical exertion.
Compared to the general public, runners often find it easier to walk around and climb stairs in shopping malls and airports while travelling.
8. Fits into different levels of fitness
Each runner can achieve their goals regardless of the fitness level and goals. Some runners set their goals to do a full marathon race and beat a competitive time like a Boston Qualifier; another may aim to finish a marathon regardless of time, while another will just be comfortable and happy with finishing a 5K race.
One can adjust the speed, distance, and intensity according to their goals and gradually increase the difficulty as they progress or when they find more time to train from their work schedules.
9. It is a great social activity
The love of running has created a large community worldwide, resulting in friendships and marriages across nations.
Running can be a great way to socialize and connect with others with the same interests. One can join running groups or participate in local races, making it a fun and engaging activity.
