Running: The Fastest Means for an Animal to Move on Foot

Running as defined “is the fastest means for an animal to move on foot.” However, in sporting parlance, it is a pace where the feet are off the ground at a certain instant. Running in this sense can be a form of exercise.

Why do we run? We run for health reasons. We run to burn off calories we have accumulated in our bodies. We run for charity. We run because everybody else is running. Whatever our stature in life, we can always do the running. It does not take much to run. It does not cost much either. All we need is a very good pair of shoes intended for such activity. Running is also a no-brainer. Any style will do for as long as this will not bring you pain or injuries. Running has only minor bad effects but not much as long you take the necessary precautions. It can be done any time, any day at your most convenience.

We run on different inspirations. But most people opted to run for health benefits. There is this impulse that nags us to run because it can help lower blood pressure. Medically speaking, in running the elasticity of the arteries is sustained. It is for this reason that most runners have extraordinarily low blood pressure. Not only are the arteries in good shape, the lungs as well. In running the lungs are kept strong and powerful. It is thus said that even smokers can improve full lung capability in running. Finally, still for health reasons, running can reinforce the heart and help avoid a heart attack.

Running is also considered a social activity. We can do running with a friend or with the family or with strangers in a race. Because it produces brain chemical called endorphins, it makes us both happy and confident. Running is also a mental thing. It keeps your mind still and whets your focus. Since running relieves you of your stress, it lessens depression. It has a de-stressing in spas effect. Like restoring and renewing mental well being.

If running is good for your heart, lungs and the other organs of your body, it is also good for you brain. It gives your brain an exercise. There is this new study that claims individuals always get high marks on intellectual exams after getting on a running agenda. Studies have it then that running benefits both physique and intelligence. Running increases brain activity. It get the most out of the brain. Running then has become a smart exercise.

The studies could have beneficial implications for the elderly. There will come a time when the use of workouts and running will help the elderly people; especially those with Alzheimer’s disease improve their perceptive function.

The passionate exhilaration that comes after running might be the ultimate motivation why we run. Running then becomes an addiction. It is an addiction that does more good than harm. But just like in drinking or eating, running should be done in moderation.