Ajit Karn
Surprising Benefits of Jogging: We have been inundated with numerous new fitness routines and regimens in recent years. Each professes to be “the” instant cure for good health and a fit body. It can be quite perplexing. You may struggle to choose between the two options. However, jogging is an ideal exercise that has proven long-term benefits. It has stood the test of time and promoted the general welfare.
What Exactly is Jogging?
Jogging is a form of sustained, leisurely trotting or running. It is considerably slower than jogging, but quicker than strolling. The primary objective of jogging is to maintain a steady pace without placing excessive burden on the body. This is less taxing on the body, utilizes significantly less energy, and thus aids in endurance.
Jogging is ideal for individuals who do not engage in strenuous fitness regimens. People commonly use it to warm up and calm down their bodies before and after exercise or sprints. People who train for races and marathons engage in jogging to develop endurance and condition the body.
Reasons Why Jogging is Good for You
Jogging is an all-inclusive exercise that also prepares the body for strenuous workouts and other physical activities. You would be astonished to learn that jogging provides benefits to the body far beyond weight loss. It helps the body build endurance and stamina without being too strenuous. It strengthens muscles and bones and maintains a healthy heart and psyche. The extensive list of jogging’s health benefits is discussed below.
1. Jogging Helps in Weight Loss
A half hour jog easily burns around 300 calories. Jogging boosts the metabolism and is more effective than mere walking. A healthy diet along with regular jogging will melt those extra inches that you have always wanted to shed. Jogging not only burns fat but also helps you maintain your weight.
2. Improves Bone Strength
The advantage of jogging is that it maintains bone health. When you begin jogging, the bones experience some amount of stress and load. Jogging prepares the bones to bear this additional stress which it starts to endure on a regular basis. Jogging strengthens the bones and prevents bone trauma and injuries. It improves bone thickness and wards off problems like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also makes the bones of the hip and the spine stronger.
3. Develops Muscles
Jogging helps your body become more toned. It works on the large muscles and develops them. It is great for the hamstrings, calf, gluteal muscles, etc.
4. Keeps the Mind Healthy
Jogging plays a major role in improving the mental health of the person. When you jog, your body releases hormones called endorphins that help lift your spirit and make you feel positive about yourself. And that is why you feel calm and rejuvenated after jogging. Below are 10 Surprising Benefits of Jogging that You Must Know:
10 Surprising Benefits of Jogging
1. Jogging Helps in Weight Loss
A half hour jog easily burns around 300 calories. Jogging boosts the metabolism and is more effective than mere walking. A healthy diet along with regular jogging will melt those extra inches that you have always wanted to shed. Jogging not only burns fat but also helps you maintain your weight.
2. Improves Bone Strength
The advantage of jogging is that it maintains bone health. When you begin jogging, the bones experience some amount of stress and load. Jogging prepares the bones to bear this additional stress which it starts to endure on a regular basis. Jogging strengthens the bones and prevents bone trauma and injuries. It improves bone thickness and wards off problems like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also makes the bones of the hip and the spine stronger.
3. Develops Muscles
Jogging helps your body become more toned. It works on the large muscles and develops them. It is great for the hamstrings, calf, gluteal muscles, etc.
4. Keeps the Mind Healthy
Jogging plays a major role in improving the mental health of the person. When you jog, your body releases hormones called endorphins that help lift your spirit and make you feel positive about yourself. And that is why you feel calm and rejuvenated after jogging.
6. Boosts the Respiratory system
Like any other aerobic workout, jogging enhances the lung capacity and strengthens the muscles of the respiratory system. This ensures that the lungs take in more oxygen and efficiently remove carbon dioxide. Jogging, thus, improves the endurance of the respiratory muscles.
7. Prevents Infections and Communicable Diseases
Jogging is known to stimulate the production of lymphocytes and macrophages that combat infection in the body. It helps to fight viral infections like flu and common cold and also some bacterial infections.
8. Curbs Mental Stress
Jogging helps to soothe and calm the mind. It reduces stress and tension and also clears the mind of unnecessary thoughts. Jogging has a positive impact on people and changes their attitudes and outlook for the better.
9. Jogging has Anti-Ageing Benefits
Jogging benefits for skin are such that you start looking more fresh and youthful. This is because jogging ensures that the skin receives more oxygen and blood.
10. Builds the Immune System
Jogging promotes not just physical but also mental well-being. Jogging makes you stronger and fights depression and stress. It removes fatigue, boosts the production of white blood cells in the body and builds up immunity.
As you can see, the uses of jogging are many. It is also known to increase one’s life span.
What is the Correct Way of Jogging?
Is jogging good for health? Not if you aren’t doing it right. Here are some pointers for you to follow during your jogging routine:
- Consult your doctor before starting a jogging regime for the first time or if you haven’t exercised in the recent past. If you are over 40 years of age or have been suffering from a chronic disease or are over-weight, then you must compulsorily take medical advice.
- Warm up and stretching is a must. This prepares your body for jogging. Light stretches to cool down at the end are also necessary.
- Always start slow. Begin with walking. You may progress to brisk walking for about 30 minutes every day. Once you fall in rhythm, then you can begin jogging for short intervals. First timers may have to alternate between walking and jogging for some time.
- Once your body is accustomed, you can increase the duration of your jogging sessions gradually.
- Always carry a water bottle with you and stay hydrated. Increase your fluid intake before and after jogging and also during the rest of the day.
- Avoid very hard or loose surfaces like roads and sand for running. You should ideally jog on grassy areas that are flat. You may even jog on the treadmill.
- Dress appropriately in cotton clothes. Tight clothing must be avoided.
- Wear proper jogging or running shoes that shouldn’t be too tight. Avoid wearing old and ill-fitting sneakers.
- Use sunscreen on exposed parts of your body for protection.
- Early mornings or evenings are the best time for jogging. Avoid congested roads or peak-hour traffic as you may risk breathing polluted air.
- Rest is vital. Ensure that your body gets at least two days of proper rest during the week.
Health and Safety Tips to Remember while Jogging
Here are some tips to keep in mind while jogging:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- You must increase your fluid intake and drink lots of water.
- Never eat immediately before or after the run.
- Carry your cellphone with you.
- Inform a family member or friend before you go for jogging. Also, tell them where you intend to go and by when you would return.
- Do not play very loud music on your headphones or earphones. Be alert.
- Do not venture into deserted roads and areas for jogging.
- Raise an alarm or call for medical help if you hurt yourself while jogging.
