Four Benefits of Running
Quite a number of my patients are runners or joggers. Or they participate in sports activities such as yoga, pickleball, hockey, basketball, or powerlifting.
Statista Research Department states, “50 million Americans (15% of the U.S. population) participate in some form of running or jogging”. Running shoe sales in 2022 was approximately $39 billion. That’s a lot.
I was not a fan of running during my 20s. I found it boring. Lifting weights was much more appealing because, after six months of consistency, you could have something to show for it physically. With running, it’s hard to tell the difference between a 5k runner and a half marathoner. So here are four reasons I enjoy running…
Benefit #1 - ITS CHEAP! (AND EASY)
Shortly after graduating, money was scarce! Imagine that: a chiropractic graduate, a doctor…and broke. Even with the fancy new shoes these days priced over $300, running remains one of the cheapest, most accessible sports activities on Earth. You don’t need to buy fancy athletic gear to enjoy running. Hopefully, you are in an area with a couple of months of summer where you can enjoy the incredible scenery in your neighborhood. Therefore, there is no need for a gym membership; watch out for those pesky Canadian geese. You can also invest in a treadmill (AKA dreadmill) along with helpful podcasts to keep your mind distracted from the fact that you are running nowhere!
Benefit #2 - STRESS REDUCER
So, I start running while working full-time as a chiropractic associate in Minneapolis. But a couple of years later, I started my clinic. Unfortunately, no one told me how many hours of stress this decision would bring. Who knew starting a practice included 14-16 hour days at the office?! It is ironic how starting a small business to promote health and wellness would increase stress. So, what do you do when you have more headaches, body aches, and lack of sleep? How do you de-stress when you’re tired, hungry, and broke? I went running! (Forrest Gump voice) far, far away from my problems, and it felt great 😉 That’s because running produces endocannabinoids, which is a biochemical substance similar to cannabis.
Benefit #3 - IT’S HEALTHY FOR YOU
If you ever needed further proof of the many benefits of running and exercise, check out this recent study in Medical News Today, which states, “Physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-moderate symptoms of depression, psychological stress, and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy.” Running can also help you live longer - a study out of Iowa State U found that running three times per week can reduce your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke by 55%. Running can reduce cancer risk - a study in the Journal of Nutrition showed regular exercise can lower your risk of developing colon cancer by 40-70%, breast cancer by 30-40%, and lung cancer by 30-40%. Running keeps your mind sharp - the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found running 15 miles per week had a 40% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease than non-runners. With all these benefits alone, why not run?
Benefit #4 - Freedom of Movement and Control
It feels good to move. This becomes more significant with age. I love running almost anytime, anywhere, for as long or as little as possible. There occasionally comes a point during a run when tranquility sets in. This final benefit impresses me most because I feel I still have control over some things. That feeling is not fully achieved in other sports like hockey, basketball, or baseball. Maybe that’s the appeal of individual sports.
So, I am sure anyone passionate about their respective sport/hobby can relate to at least one of these points. I hope you are motivated to stay active or try something new. Start small, set realistic goals, and make it enjoyable. There is nothing worse than doing something that feels like work.
I’ve been receiving regular chiropractic adjustments since age 15 to continue doing the things I love, including running. Chiropractic care has been essential in treating my sports injuries or general maintenance/wellness care. Remember…it’s you vs you; don’t take it too seriously, and keep moving forward. Good luck!
