Running will shed pounds and even allow you to eat a bit indulgently now and then, knowing you can jog the calories off in the morning. But for many of runners, weight-loss is far down the list of reasons to run.
1. Happiness
Countless studies have shown that running reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Like most physical exercise, it helps to make you feel better in the short and long term.
2. Immune boost
Research proves that running for up to an hour at a moderate intensity fortifies your immune system, by accelerating the circulation of protective cells.
3. Stronger knees
Next time someone tells you that running is bad for your knees, wave this fact in their face: according to Boston University’s David Felson, regular running actually improves knee health. It also strengthens bones and joints.
4. Save cash
Gym memberships drain your bank account, particularly once you add in the joining fee and other sneaky add-ons. Bikes are expensive to buy and maintain. Running is the cheapest of exercise regimes. The only real cost is a new pair of running shoes every 500 miles or so.
5. A longer life
It can extend your time on the planet! Studies show that exercising helps you live longer by as much as 5.3 years.
6. Discovery
Trot around your neighborhood regularly and you begin to discover parts of it you never knew existed. As you stumble upon hidden parks, secret riverbanks and other delights, you feel like a tight-jaw-lined Christopher Columbus. Only a little sweatier.
7. Humility
Meekness may not be the headline quality associated with runners, but when you start running you’ll get a helpful wake-up call. Many beginners assume that they’ll be laughed and pointed at as they run down the street in their kit, but as they quickly discover – nobody cares.
8. Core
Of the various exercise regimes, running is not instinctively associated with the strengthening of the core, but it actually gives these muscles a decent workout thanks to the spinal rotation. Stride across uneven surfaces and your regular rebalancing will only enhance this.
9. A younger mind
One of the realities of ageing is that we create fewer brain cells as we get older. However, scientists at Cambridge University say that regular running reverses this development, keeping your mind young.
10. Greater memory
Running boosts production of something called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This chemical, which stimulates brain growth, focuses especially on the wonderfully monikered hippocampus region, the place where your memories are stored.
11. Lower cancer risk
A colossal study in the Journal of Nutrition linked regular exercise with a lower risk of some cancers. Also, according to Runners World, for those with cancer, running can enhance their quality of life while they’re undergoing chemotherapy.
12. Lower blood pressure
A report published in November 2013 found that men and women at all blood pressure levels benefit from regular running and other aerobic activity, including those with hypertension. Just 30 to 40 minutes of jogging several days a week can help prevent or reduce hypertension.
13. Dat ass!
It activates your glutes, making it one of the fastest and most painless routes to a lifted and more toned butt. (And stop pretending you don’t want one.)
14. Moving scenery
Visually, is there anything more boring than a gym? The sweat-patched fatso. The grimacing weight-lifter. The televisions permanently tuned to rolling news channels. Well, outdoor running offers a real-life nature documentary of imagery to keep your enthusiasm flowing.
15. Healthier heart
Running improves circulation and reduces the risk of a heart attack, high blood pressure and strokes. In fact, running for just an hour each week can lower the risk of heart disease by almost 50pc.
16. Everyday advantage
Time and time again as you go about your daily business you will be thankful to be a runner. Late for a train? Catch it without losing your breath. Walking up a steep staircase with friends? Smile magnanimously as you reach the top before everyone else. Playing with your kids in the park? Avoid being the archetypal wheezing dad.
17. Sweeter dreams
Studies show that trotters find it easier to get to sleep at night and sleep longer.
18. A clearer complexion
Running can improve your complexion by enhancing the transportation of nutrients around your system and flushing out waste products. This will help make your skin clearer and give you that distinctive runner's glow.
19. More confidence
Of all forms of exercise, it is the fastest route to greater confidence. In a study, those who ran in the open air showed higher levels of post-workout self-esteem than those who huffed away inside a gym.
20. That small thing called society
Whether you grab a jogging buddy, join your neighbourhod running club or head down to your local Parkrun, running can be the gateway to a new network of friends.
21. More ‘me time’
Or, if you are craving some time alone, what better pastime than running? Leave your phone at home and head out into the great outdoors. In the 21st century it is a rare treat to be un-contactable for any length of time. Bask in the freedom!