Why Running Every Day Isn’t As Bad As You Think

CrispyPork/Shutterstock

By Sam Ramsden/Aug. 27, 2021 9:31 am EDT

When it comes to exercise, going for a daily run is often viewed as being more detrimental to your overall health than good, and some past studies have claimed that excessive running can increase the risk of certain diseases (via Active). However, running every day does have some major benefits and can be much better for your health than many would think.

According to Healthline, some studies have concluded that daily running can help to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. It may also reduce the risk of a person developing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Per The Journal of Adolescent Health, another study claimed that additional benefits to going for a run every day include improved sleep, mood, and concentration.

According to Insider, it has previously been suggested that running can boost a person’s life expectancy, and a 2014 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology that surveyed more than 50,000 people found that runners lived three years longer on average than non-runners.

What are the health risks of daily running?

As with most forms of exercise, there are always certain health risks to consider when going for a jog, and there are ways to make your daily run safer.

As Healthline reported, some of these risks include the potential for an overuse injury, which is usually sparked by doing too much physical activity too quickly, and not giving your body enough time to recuperate. Additionally, improper technique while running can overload certain muscles and lead to injury. If you do suffer from a running-related injury, it is advised that you take a break from your daily jogs and visit your doctor if symptoms get worse. 

To get the best out of your daily runs, it’s a good idea to ensure you have the correct running shoes and change them often, warm up before your jog and stretch properly afterwards, and make sure you’re running with the correct form. It is also advised that you gradually increase the distance you run each week, rather than going too hard too fast, and that you mix up your daily running routine with other forms of exercise, such as going to the gym, cross-training, and cycling.

Source: Read Full Article