At its core, running is a pretty simple activity. You put one foot in front of the other and repeat until you reach your destination. But why do we do it? Why do we lace up our shoes and hit the pavement day after day, even when it’s raining or snowing or when we’re tired or feeling lazy? It turns out there’s some science behind why humans love to run. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why we run.
The Endorphin Rush
Running causes our brain to release endorphins, which are hormones that block pain signals from the brain. In other words, they make us feel good! Endorphins have also been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. So if you’re feeling down, go for a run! You just might find that it makes you feel better.
The Cardio Health Benefits
Running is great for our cardiovascular health. It strengthens the heart muscle and lowers blood pressure. It also helps to improve cholesterol levels by raising HDL (good cholesterol) and lowering LDL (bad cholesterol). All of these things together help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. So if you’re looking to improve your heart health, running is a great place to start.
The Weight Loss Benefits
Running is an excellent way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. That’s because it burns more calories per minute than any other activity. And the more calories you burn, the more weight you’ll lose (or not gain). So if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, hit the pavement! Just be sure to fuel your body properly before and after your runs.
There are plenty of reasons why humans love to run. From the endorphin rush to the cardio health benefits to the weight loss benefits, it’s no wonder that running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world. So lace up your shoes and hit the pavement! You just might find that you enjoy it more than you thought you would.