Jogging is a type of exercise that is enjoyed by people worldwide.
It offers a range of benefits that extend beyond burning calories and improving cardiovascular health.
From boosting your mood to enhancing your immune system, here are ten surprising benefits of jogging that you’ve probably never heard of before.
Benefits of Jogging
1. Help Boost Your Brain
Jogging can help boost cognitive function and improve brain health. A study found that regular jogging can increase the hippocampus size. This is the brain region important for memory and learning.[1]
2. It’s Good for Your Skin
Jogging increases blood flow, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. This, as a result, contributes to a more glowing skin appearance.
In beauty and skincare, jogging might be the most underrated tool in one’s health arsenal. Who would have thought that getting all sweaty could be the secret to a radiant complexion? When you jog, your increased heart rate boosts circulation, sending nutrient-rich blood throughout your body, including your skin. The result? A post-jog glow that no expensive face cream can match.
The sweat you shed also helps unclog pores and reduces acne, acting like a mini facial.
3. It Can Help You Sleep Better
Studies have shown that regular jogging improves both the quality and length of sleep while reducing the time before falling asleep.[2] It can regulate the sleep-wake cycle and minimise sleep issues (e.g. insomnia).
4. It Boosts Your Immune System
It can assist in boosting the production of a number of antibodies and white blood cells, which often play a role in combating bacteria, viruses and other harmful intruders. [3] Consequently, this can decrease the chances of contracting infections and illnesses.
5. Strengthen bones & joints.
Jogging is a type of exercise that is weight-bearing thereby exerting stress on the bones. This stress can cause bones to become stronger and denser, preventing osteoporosis in younger people and other bone-related conditions.[4]
Jogging regularly can also enhance balance, coordination and flexibility, which in turn reduces the likelihood of experiencing falls or fractures.
6. It Improves Digestion
Jogging can help stimulate your digestive system and improve gut health. Regular jogging promotes improved blood circulation, which aids food movement through the intestines. This can effectively reduce the likelihood of experiencing constipation and other digestive issues.
7. Great with Balance
Jogging requires coordination and balance, which can be improved with regular practice. When you’ve got good coordination and balance, it reduces the risk of falls and fractures, especially in older adults.
8. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Jogging, plus a combination of a balanced and healthy diet, enhances the body’s metabolism and aids in reducing body fat.
9. Boosts Your Mood
Jogging, according to a study, helps improve mood [5]. It stimulates the production of endorphins, often called the “feel-good hormones”. These chemicals have the capacity to uplift one’s spirits and relieve sensations of tension and worry.
It also gives you a feeling of achievement. It can enhance your self-worth and belief in yourself. Jogging and running can be a therapy for individuals dealing with certain mental health issues. [6] [7]
Next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try going for a jog and see its positive impact on your mood.
10. Increased Energy Levels
Regular jogging can turbocharge your energy levels like nothing else. It’s like popping in your body’s favourite energy mixtape – the kind that keeps you grooving all day. Here’s the science part: running revs up blood circulation, spreading oxygen and vital nutrients to your weary muscles and brain.
The outcome? You become awake, attentive and prepared to take on whatever challenges come your way during the day.
So, next time you feel a mid-afternoon slump, why not lace up those sneakers? You’ll get a workout and a natural energy boost that no amount of caffeine can compete with!
11. Positive Body Image
Jogging is like an artist’s chisel, gradually sculpting a better version of yourself, one run at a time. As your stamina increases and those stubborn pounds melt away, you’ll see a more confident individual in the mirror, someone knocking on the doors of their potential. It’s not conforming to society’s standards of beauty but rather about embracing your body, acknowledging your strength, and recognising your capacity to overcome obstacles.
And the cherry on top? With every stride and every bead of sweat, you’re not just shaping your physique but also honing your mind. The mental clarity and focus that come with regular exercise are no less a confidence boost.
Conclusion
Jogging is not only just a great way to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. It also has many surprising benefits, from boosting your brain and immune system to improving your skin and digestion. Regularly going for a jog can impact your health and help lower the chances of developing different diseases and health issues.
So why not stand up and lace up your jogging shoes, and hit the pavement? Your body (and mind) will thank you for that quick jog.
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