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What are the Effects of Running?

B. Miller
B. Miller

The effects of running on the body are often helpful and positive. People use running as a way to lose weight, get in shape, and increase their cardiovascular endurance. In addition, running can also help to maintain bone density throughout one's life, because it is a high-impact, weight-bearing exercise that encourages bone growth. These are just a few of the many beneficial effects of running.

Running is an aerobic activity that increases the heart rate. This means that it strengthens the heart and lungs, increasing endurance and lung capacity over time, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Running may also lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, both of which are very beneficial to one's overall health. In addition, another one of the main effects of running is its effect on the heart rate.

The effects of running can be both physical and mental.
The effects of running can be both physical and mental.

Running helps one to have a lower resting heart rate, and to return to that resting heart rate more quickly after exercise. This means that the heart is stronger and more efficient; it is much better to have a slower heart rate while at rest than a fast heart rate. In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, running engages muscles throughout the entire body, but particularly the legs and abdominal muscles. This can increase muscular strength, and improve coordination and posture.

To avoid injury, it is important to warm up and start running slowly.
To avoid injury, it is important to warm up and start running slowly.

Another one of the effects of running is weight loss. Running burns calories; the specific amount depends on one's height, weight, and age, but it is always a great way to burn off calories, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Pumping the arms while running helps to engage the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back, which can help to increase strength as well as to burn additional calories.

Running increases a person's heart rate and burns calories.
Running increases a person's heart rate and burns calories.

The effects of running can be mental as well. People who get regular exercise often sleep better and have more energy, as well as less anxiety or incidences of depression because aerobic exercise encourages the brain to produce endorphins, which improve the mood. Of course, some negative effects of running are possible; these can include injuries such as shin splints or muscle pulls, as well as pain in the feet or knees. Many of these negative effects can be prevented by starting slowly, warming up first with some brisk walking, and stretching thoroughly after each run to prevent the muscles from becoming tight. Still, those with weak or sensitive joints may find that it is not the best form of exercise for them.

Discussion Comments

anon232695

There's no point about effects of running exercises on increasing height. Can you explain more about this, please?

anon154526

From 10 years of running I have noticed that the body's temperature does increase, but when a person is done running the temperature returns to normal. I have no idea about the glucose or about the arteries expanding.

anon133589

I want to know how running effects the body temperature the amount of glucose and what happens to the water within your body an why arteries expand when the body loses water? Please answer my question.

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    • The effects of running can be both physical and mental.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      The effects of running can be both physical and mental.
    • To avoid injury, it is important to warm up and start running slowly.
      By: Maridav
      To avoid injury, it is important to warm up and start running slowly.
    • Running increases a person's heart rate and burns calories.
      By: Maridav
      Running increases a person's heart rate and burns calories.
    • Running can help people lose weight and get in shape.
      By: Deklofenak
      Running can help people lose weight and get in shape.
    • Pain in the knees is one negative effect of running.
      By: yanlev
      Pain in the knees is one negative effect of running.