10 Reasons Why You Should Take Up Running as a Hobby

Even a little physical activity, when incorporated in our routine regularly, can have a significant impact on our lives. Running is often cited as one of the easiest ways to go about being more active in our daily lives. However, contrary to popular belief, this doesn't merely apply to those who are looking to lose weight or train for marathons.  The benefits of jogging in the morning are endless. You can observe changes like improved cardiovascular health, increased lung capacity, toned legs and a runner's high, all thanks to the release of endorphins.

 

Still not sold on the idea? Here are a few more reasons why running can be a good bet for everyone

 

1. The primary benefit of jogging is that you don't need any gear. You can start today! That's right, we often end up procrastinating exercising because of the things we need, but that doesn't hold true for the running community. You just need to grab a pair of shoes and start running once you're out the door.

 

Pro-tip: Get your run done in the morning itself as it will positively impact your mood and productivity throughout the day. There are many neurotransmitters that are released while running, like endocannabinoids, dopamine, and endorphins. It increases neuroplasticity and also promotes oxygen supply to your brain.

 

2. Probably one of our biggest deterrents when trying to get fitter is not wanting to pay expensive gym memberships. If you take up running though, you don't need any membership! It can be done with friends or just the company of your favourite playlist. You can even head over to your local park and give the running track a shot.

 

Pro-tip: Make a workout playlist with songs that you know will help you get in the mood and keep that rush going for as long as possible. You can even have some good company along with you to help you stay motivated. Exercise is undoubtedly more fun when you are with someone.

 

3. A lot of us struggle with getting out in the open on a daily basis. We usually only move from one confined space to another. If you take up running though, you can combine your daily dose of exercise with a bout of fresh air. Furthermore, try and take scenic routes to really diffuse any tension you may be facing as believe it or not, many runners have drawn parallels between running and meditating as both can help you centre yourself.

 

Pro Tip: Along with running, you can carry your journal that you haven’t picked up in ages and maybe write something. Running and then writing in the journal is the perfect recipe for clearing your mental space.

 

4. As mentioned earlier, the "runner's high" is a feeling of sheer ecstasy that you get after running for a certain amount of time. While there is no math behind the amount of time it takes or the speed you need to get one, but you will experience it at some point in your journey. The primary reason behind it though has been discovered as the release of serotonin which makes you much happier. So, the next time you want to skip your daily run because you are not in the best of spirits; give it a second thought!

 

Pro tip: Get enough sleep the night before so as to facilitate the production of endocannabinoids and put on your favourite running playlist. These two tips are an easy way to achieve the runner’s high.

 

5. There is a common misconception going around that running is not as effective as say going to the gym or fitness classes. However, this is a myth, and it completely depends on the amount of work being put in both. Running burns just as many calories if not more than other activities. Running comes under cardio and is great at bringing up your heart rate. Hence, the amount of calories you burn increases exponentially once your heart rate is at its highest. When an average person jogs, about 80-140 calories are burnt per mile. According to your weight and pace, 30 minutes of jogging helps you burn around 280-520 calories.

 

Pro-tip: Try not to jump into a sprint because you want to burn the most amount of calories. Ideally, start with a stretch followed by a brisk walk/jog before you start running.

 

6. If done right, running can actually strengthen your bones and knees by virtue of its high-impact nature. Considering that one of the age-related problems we hear a lot about is knee trouble, this will be a valuable addition to your later years. Running improves blood flow to your knee joints and helps rebuild the tissue in it, meaning better knees for longer in life. Hence, even if you don't have the physical capacity to run every day, walking also can do wonders for your bone strength.

 

Pro-tip: Running long distances coupled with hiking if you find a place that provides you with a suitable terrain for the same can rapidly increase your bone strength.

 

7. Heart health is something we all have come to prioritise in today's age. While eating healthy forms, a big part of having a healthy heart, exercise can actually increase your heart and lung capacity. Hence, running can actually give you a longer lifespan as it is directly linked to better cardiovascular health. Thus, it also acts as an incentive to make a long-term change in your lifestyle. According to studies, the people who run have a 30% lower risk of death than the people who don’t.

 

Pro-tip: Including some light exercise with your jogging every morning is perfect to keep your heart healthy.

 

8. Hard work has a way of always paying off. This pay-off will not only get you in better shape but will also help you get a good night's sleep. Not only will you sleep easily, but your sleep quality will also change for the better!

 

Pro-tip: Run in the evening if you struggle with falling asleep as it will leave you tired enough to fall asleep early. Research indicates that exercise and running help curb insomnia. It helps you have a slow-wave sleep, which refers to deep sleep.

 

9. Running inevitably leads to more blood circulation, which can get your heart pumping. Hence, if you are dealing with high cholesterol or blood sugar levels, running daily can help you get your levels just right.  With increased miles of running, the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio, along with the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, are all optimally maintained. It can prove to be great for people who struggle with diabetes or high blood pressure. This, added to the weight loss, will ensure a better quality of life.

 

Pro-tip: If you are looking for faster results or are simply looking for a challenge, try adding some ankle weights on next time. However, start light, so you don't end up injuring yourself.

 

10. Did you know that taking up running can also have financial rewards? Insurance providers like Niva Bupa have decided to reward you for reaching your fitness goals! This reward comes in the form of a discount as high as 20% on your insurance premium. Know more at NivaBupa the best health insurance company in India.

 

Pro-tip: Get your health insurance from Niva Bupa today so that your future financial needs are secured, and your medical needs are met. Your daily jogging and a good health policy will keep you away from getting any ailments.

 

Clearly, running is an activity that pays off for you in the long term. While we can list endless benefits of getting in any physical activity, it's all up to you in the end. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your shoes and get a headstart to a better quality of life today.

 

Conclusion

Clearly, running is an activity that pays off for you in the long term. While we can list endless benefits of getting in any physical activity, it's all up to you in the end. So, what are you waiting for? Put on your shoes and get a headstart to a better quality of life today. With Niva Bupa get your and your family's health secured with the health insurance policy. Niva bupa also provides many more plans like Individual Health Insurance Plans, Family Health Insurance Plans, Critical Illness Insurance Plans, Personal Accident Insurance Plans, Mediclaim Policy and Travel Insurance, along with several rewards and benefits such as discounts for reaching fitness goals.