
By Carl Gargiulo, DPT
Getting regular physical activity is essential for achieving and maintaining good health, and that’s why we encourage all of our patients to get enough exercise every week. One of the best possible ways to stay active is by running, which requires little more than a good pair of running shoes, some outdoor routes to follow—or a treadmill—and the motivation to get moving. For these and many of its other attractive qualities, running has become one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S. But unfortunately, common running injuries tend to prevent would-be runners from getting started and may also hold back experienced runners from returning.
Recent statistics estimate that more than 40 million Americans claim to be regular runners. The reasons for this massive number of people being drawn to running may be different for everyone, but the wide array of health benefits associated with running is likely to be a major factor. Of the seemingly countless benefits that have been identified by research, running on a regular basis has been found to:
- Reduce high blood pressure
- Improve sleeping habits
- Lower the risk for cardiovascular disease
- Boost brain performance
- Improve mood by reducing stress and anxiety
- Help people better control weight and maintain good overall health
Continue reading →