The body’s need for physical activity is often overlooked the older a person gets. Many people, especially the working class, are on their bottoms for most of the day and often don’t have enough time and resources to get out for some physical activity.

Running is one such activity that doesn’t need that much before you can start—all one needs is determination and the will to start. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels since it starts with brisk walking and will slowly progress into jogging then finally work up to running.

So how can one kick-start the will to run? What are some things to take note of before beginning a running program? How and why is running beneficial for all ages? How can you track your running progress? According to Mobile Mob, you should invest in a Fitbit Charge 3 to track your heart rate, steps, exercise progress, etc.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits that one can get from running. It is known that both running and jogging are forms of aerobic exercise, which means these two are types of physical activity that increases breathing and heart rate. The lungs take in air faster and deeper, which maximizes the amount of oxygen intake into your blood. The heart beats faster, which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs.

Aerobic activities are performed for a sustained period. The body is also known to expel or release endorphins, which are also known to be the chemicals in your body that give one “runner’s high” or a feeling of euphoria after a run or workout.

Running is a great way to increase one’s stamina, fitness, and strength. When it is done regularly in the long term, the body noticeably will have increased stamina and reduced fatigue.

Because the body uses the heart and lungs the most, running helps keep these two vital organs healthy and fit, reducing the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure, and other health risks. The bones and muscles also gain strength over time, which means running can help combat the risk of osteoporosis.

Developed Discipline and Mental Fortitude

If you start running as a physical sport or regular activity at a young age, you improve your discipline and mental fortitude. Sticking to a schedule, learning to pace, and reaching goals are but a few things a young runner can learn, and it’s never too early to start.

It is also never too late to start running as well. Consult with your physician first to gauge how you can start if you are older or if you find yourself needing more guidance to start. A routine or habit will easily come for as long as you are disciplined enough to follow through.

Improved Mental Well-Being

Exercise is often thought to be a great way to improve moods as it triggers a positive feeling in the body. Because physical activity promotes a positive effect both physically and mentally, many have considered exercise to be a great way to fight or at least ease depression.

The psychological benefits you can get from regular exercise range from getting more social interaction through group exercise activities to gaining a boost of confidence as you find yourself growing stronger and fitter as days pass.

The chemicals that the body releases after exercise, called endorphins, are known to be natural painkillers and stress fighters. An increase in endorphin levels equates to a positive mental state. The more exercise you do regularly, the more you improve your mental state.

Pushing the Limits

Running is a great way to build up the body’s endurance. Once the body has peaked in doing physical activity, the mind would like to push the limits of what the body can do. Remember to do things gradually and commit to a goal. Once the goal has been met, then you can proceed further.

Pushing yourself to the limits will need proper preparation both physically and mentally. Preparing yourself mentally could be imagining yourself reaching the desired destination or beating a personal record.

Mental focus is important to get you to where you should be. Preparing physically by ensuring that you are in proper gear and knowing when to use kinesiology tape for pressured or overused muscles to ease pain are just a few things to remember. Know how your body works and what it can do.

Getting Started

The people who decide to run can often be couch potatoes, meaning they are the types of people who necessarily don’t do any physical activity that much. Going from a couch potato to a runner can be tricky but is definitely doable.

Many people can get started with running by just walking. Learn to take a walk to and from a certain destination for a start. You can begin by walking to work from home for a week before proceeding with jogging for the next week just to get the ball rolling.

If you are over forty, are overweight, have a chronic illness, or have not done any exercise in a long time, it is strongly recommended that you ask your attending doctor or physician for a checkup. Time the walking sessions done, and slowly build up to actual running. Do not overtrain your body so that you avoid injuries, and always remember to keep yourself hydrated.

Running has been one of the oldest known exercises to be effective because of its accessibility to anyone no matter the weight and age. Don’t be afraid to start a running program today!