A Running Workout
For Heart Health

While joggers often refer to their activity as a running workout , the same cannot be said for runners who place emphasis on time, speed, and distance,and it is a competitive sport.

What they do have in common is that they are both wonderful ways to improve the overall health and fitness of your body, particularly their impact on reducing heart disease. They both help to improve cardiovascular conditioning, strengthens the heart, releases stress, and burns calories to aid in weight loss.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, with 23 million people diagnosed and nearly 1 million deaths annually. That means that approximately 2,500 people die each day from heart disease.

Physical fitness plays a key roll in preventing heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, “Most beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular disease mortality can be attained through moderate-intensity activity (40% to 60% of maximal oxygen uptake, depending on age). The activity can be accrued through formal training programs or leisure-time physical activities.” 

A Running workout as a means of preventing heart disease is available to anyone who is physically able. It doesn’t require a special membership or location, nor does it require a financial investment in exercise equipment. 

How Exercising Reduces Hypertension

Stress is a leading cause of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Twenty-one percent of heart attacks are related to hypertension.

So how does a running workout help lower hypertension?

It is an endurance sport. During long runs, our body releases a chemical known as endorphins. Endorphins act as a natural pain reliever and can lead to feelings of euphoria which reduces the negative effects of stress. The longer the fitness regiment, the more endorphins are released, and the less stress that is felt. The condition is commonly referred to as a runner’s high.

Studies have shown that people who include running as part of their weekly fitness regiment have a reduction in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates by as much as 8 to 10 mm Hg.

As mentioned earlier, running is a time, speed, and distance sport. But to enjoy the cardiovascular benefits, it is important that you exercise for a minimum of twenty minutes a day, two to three times a week.

Before You Start A Running Workout

If you are overweight, or have not participated in a regular fitness program in quite some time, you should consult your doctor before beginning. Your doctor can advise you of any precautions you should take and may suggest a guideline to get you started on your exercise program. You may be advised to start by jogging and progressively work yourself to a physical fitness level where you can begin to train as a runner.

Time for Exercising

Making a commitment to exercise should be prioritized the same way you would schedule any other necessary or routine activity. Some people find that exercising first thing in the morning, before getting ready for work or school, is a great way to start the day. Others prefer to exercise as an after work activity to release the stress of the day and re-energize themselves for an enjoyable evening of pleasurable activities. Some people may choose to exercise both in the morning and in the evening, doubling the benefits.

Making a commitment to exercise is a great step toward improving your overall health and fitness, especially the health of your heart. Keeping that commitment to exercising is the only way to enjoy the benefits.

You can get more information about running and active runners here. http://www.coolrunning.com/