Running is probably one topic that has been done to death on the internet, and by now, you have probably heard all about the amazing health benefits of running, perhaps even on this site. But science continues to uncover more and more reasons why you should go for a run if you want a healthier, happier life.

Did you know that running could protect you from cancer, improve your mental capacity, and make you an all-round, happier and more productive person? Read on to see more reasons running should definitely be a regular part of your life:

1. Makes you smarter

Cardiovascular exercise has documented benefits for improving the performance of the brain. In the hours after exercise, people generally find themselves more alert and increasingly mentally capable due to the post-exercise release of certain hormones such as dopamine. Exercise has also been found to have a long term developmental effect on the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory, decision making and problem solving.

While these effects have been known of for quite some time, few people are aware that running frequently could also have some additional benefits for the brain. This is because people who run longer distances are more efficient in the production of a hormone called “estrogen related gamma receptors” that essentially provides a boost of energy to power increased performance in basically all organs of the body, including the brain.

2. Protects you from Cancer

In 2009, a group of scientist from Finland, presented the findings of a research that had studied the lives of 2, 560 men over a period of 17 years. It has always been known that exercise has significant health benefits but the results of this study revealed that men who engaged in moderately intense exercises such as running had a 50% lower likelihood of developing cancer.

3. Helps relieve stress

Cardiovascular exercise helps relieve stress by stimulating the release of endorphins in the body, which help to relieve pain and improve mood. However, exercises such as running also have an a additional effect at boosting moods, secreting higher amounts of serotonin which help to improve improve mood. Exercise is also believe to help rid the blood of a substance called kynurenine which is accumulated in the body when you feel stressed out—it is also linked with depression.

4. Improves your hearing

You were probably not expecting to read that running could improve your hearing, but it can, and this is one benefit that should be of particular interest to you as you get older.

A study conducted by a scientist named Dr. Paul Loprinzi concluded that women with higher levels of cardiovascular fitness were much more likely to have better hearing at both low and high frequencies, and were 6% more likely to have better hearing than bad hearing.

5. Improves relationships

Research has shown that running could actually help improve your relationships. More driven runners are scientifically thought to have higher sex drives and in men, higher sperm counts.

Also, since runners are usually smarter, and experience consistently brighter moods (thanks to all that dopamine and serotonin), they should make for pleasant company.

Conclusion

By now, we hope you’re convinced that running is an activity that you should incorporate into your daily routine. It might be rather painful and unpleasant at first but once you get the hang of it, you are sure to enjoy the 5 unusual benefits of running that we’ve talked about in this article. For some tips on how to run safely, read this article: http://www.trainer.ae/articles/7-steps-to-running-better-2523

You could also hire a personal trainer to help you run better and if you would like to, we would be glad to recommend a fully licensed trainer you can trust. Please get in touch with us at:

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A couple that sweats together, stays together.

Ideally you would be more tempted to eat an entire box of chocolates, splurge on a romantic dinner or skip the gym in favor of a bit of Netflix and popcorn, but you don’t have to let your love life derail your plans to get fit. With these workout ideas for couples, you and your partner can spend quality time together while you stay on track to reaching your goals preparing for the summer and beyond.

The Benefits of Exercising with Your Partner
The two of you may be at different fitness levels and have different goals, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise together.

Safety: With someone else watching your form and being there to spot you when you need it, you’ll exercise more safely than if you were alone.

Quality time: Couples spend most of their time apart due to careers and other responsibilities. Instead of hitting the gym alone, plan a workout time that fits both of your schedules. You’ll reach your fitness goals, without sacrificing that one-on-one time that every partnership needs.

A common interest: Add exercise to your list of shared interests and hobbies. The possibility for new, unique activities is endless and keeps things exciting.

Motivation and support: Getting encouragement and praise from your partner is one of the best motivators. It’ll help both of you remain consistent and take care of one another.

A deeper bond: Exercise produces chemicals in the brain that evoke feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and also increase arousal and libido.

Balance: In many couples, one partner tends to favor cardio (typically women) while the other tends to favor strength training (typically men). By working out together you can balance your workout program to include more of both. Let your partner teach you about the areas of fitness you’re unsure of and be open to new fitness experiences.

Most people don’t mention weight lifting and arthritis in the same sentence. But in fact, a number of studies have shown that proper weight training can be beneficial both for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee. The reason it helps is because muscles protect joints, and weak muscles allow cartilage to wear out.

The types of weights that have been studied include free weights and weight machines, as well as exercise bands, which offer a different type of resistance. And while most were effective with the right strategy, it’s best to start with weight machines to increase muscle strength. The next step is to progress to dumbbells, and after several months working with a qualified trainer, resistance bands could be used at home to maintain strength.

Strategy

The most effective strategy is that participants needed to increase the weight they lifted as time goes on. This allows the benefits to continue to build as muscle strength improves. And the vast majority of successful trainers will suggest that you must workout at least three times a week. In one study on osteoarthritis of the knee, participants benefited from doing three sets of eight reps of various weight machine exercises including biceps curl, chest press, leg press, leg curl, leg extension and standing calf raise.