Health Benefits for Runners

Kara Down, a consultant with NTT Data in Naples, FL, enjoys staying physically fit and active during her free time. Kara Down's preferred mode of exercise, running, promotes cardiovascular health and overall wellness.

Runners earn a wide range of health benefits that the sedentary, and even some other athletes, do not. Running promotes overall health by boosting the immune system, reducing the formation of dangerous blood clots, and building lung function. Runners also face a lower risk of certain cancers, and can stave off other negative health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and blood pressure problems.

Those who want to lose weight, or maintain a consistent weight, also benefit strongly from running. It requires little equipment and burns considerable extra calories, with only cross-country skiing beating it in raw calories-per-minute eliminated.

Running also has some mental benefits. Those who run regularly often experience improved self-esteem and a sense of empowerment. They also have reduced stress, which can make tension headaches less frequent and improve sleep.