Is Running Everyday Bad for You? Find Out the Truth!
Taking up running is a great way to keep fit and trim, and it is a cheap form of exercise.
It burns calories, it takes your mind off stress, it builds your cardiovascular fitness and reduces the danger of a heart attack or stroke.
If you are a beginner or a passionate runner, you may wonder – is running everyday bad for you?
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Consult your doctor
Before running consult your doctor, more so if you are over 40.
They will check your blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and give you the thumbs up if you are fit. Or give precautionary measures at worst they will declare you unfit.
The doctor knows best if running everyday is good or bad for you.
Do not be stubborn and start running, you might get hurt, and stop the workout altogether, regretting what you did.
Why a Daily Run is Not Advisable
A daily run increases the danger of overuse injuries such as hamstring strain, tendinitis, backache, and hip and foot problems.
These injuries are a result of too much physical exertion and not allowing the body to adapt.
Poor running techniques and overworking certain muscles can also lead to this injury.
The workout tears muscles, running hurt will complicate the injuries and make it worse.
Doing the same thing every day will be monotonous and boooorring.
It will be like a task that needs to be done, you take away the joy and fun in running and it becomes stressful.
Rest Days are Necessary
The body is like a machine – abuse it and it conks out.
One or two rest days from running will decrease the incidence of overuse injuries.
A gap in the schedule will give your body the time to restore and recuperate.
Days off will make you feel better and stronger. It will give you a chance to recover from feeling burned out and bored and get recharged.
Listen to what your body tells you
When you feel pain in your body it is trying to tell you it needs rest.
Running with pain will cause a serious damage, rest instead of pushing through. The trauma will be more prevalent as you run longer and harder.
Consult your doctor if you feel the pain they will know best what will cure it.
What do Medical Experts Say About Running?
A group of Dutch researchers suggests that running for 2.4 hours a week a runner will enjoy the maximum benefits from the exercise.
The time can be spread over five days at 30 minutes per day.
It can be either slow jogging, 5 miles per hour; average jogging, 6 miles per hour; fast jogging, 7 miles per hour. All are vigorous but a fast jogger may encounter hazards to his health if the runner is not physically fit.
And joggers last more than non-joggers
Is Running Good or Bad?
You would love to sin with delectable food it takes its toll when the scale tilts forward.
You ask yourself, is running everyday good for weight loss?
This form of workout is a great way to get rid of the calories quickly, great for people who want to lose weight.
Carrying your weight while running will help shape sturdy bones and toughen muscles.
Running increases your overall wellness by increasing the level of good cholesterol, lung function, and the immune system; reducing the danger of a blood clot.
After a few minutes of running your brain will start to produce hormones that will improve your mood and treat depression.
Sleep well during nighttime and concentrate more on your office work.
This form of exercise has intangibles, it is a morale booster and a confidence builder. By achieving set goals, you’ll experience joy and the feeling of a doer.
The downside, it traumatizes the body particularly the joints, knees, and back.
You’ll often hear beginners complain about body aches and pains.
Plan Ahead
Take baby steps, do not rush things, and consult your physician before you plan. There might be things that need to be considered based on clinical results.
It is advisable for a beginner to start with walking advancing to brisk walking and then to running.
Combine brisk walking and running until complete the full route with running only.
Over time, you will be able to determine the amount of time you spent in your run.
Go for 20 minutes at a time. Once you hit it, gradually increase your distance, this will increase your pace.
Include rest days and cross training in your schedule.
Gearing Up for the Run
Get a good pair of running shoes; not basketball shoes, not tennis shoes, not sneakers.
The fit should be perfect to prevent blisters and shin splints to motivate you to run. Running shoes absorb the weight of the body releasing the feet from any strain. Replace the shoes if they are worn out, do not get too attached.
Athletic bras or breast supports should be sported by women.
Start with a warm-up and some stretching exercises. Once you’ve completed your run, cool down with stretches, afterward.
Bring along lots of fluid, you’ll need this to prevent dehydration.
Plot your course. Choose flat or grassy areas to decrease the danger of injury.
Avoid running on city streets during peak hours, you’ll inhale lots of fumes from the exhaust of vehicles.
The Importance of Cross Training
Benefits of cross training
- The threat of overuse injuries is lessened.
- Muscle toning is balanced.
- Weak areas in the body are strengthened.
- Helps in the recovery from an injury while staying fit.
- It keeps the runner from getting bored.
Cross training is engaging in another form of exercise that is not running.
Some examples are cycling, Pilates, swimming, weight training, stair trekking, which are good for your cardiovascular fitness. It strengthens the muscles that running does not.
Bottom Line
Is running everyday bad for you? Or not? If the body can not handle the workload, there’s no point in doing it every day, take days off.
What do you think?
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