10 Surprising Benefits of Jogging that You Must Know
10 Surprising Benefits of Jogging that You Must Know
In This Article What Exactly is Jogging? Reasons Why Jogging is Good for You
What is the Correct Way of Jogging? Health and Safety Tips to Remember while
Jogging FAQs In recent times, we have been bombarded with many new fitness fads
and workouts. Each one claims to be “the” quick-fix remedy for good health and a
fit body. It can be very confusing. You may struggle to choose one or the other.
But jogging is a perfect workout that has proven to be advantageous in the
longer run. It has stood the test of time and has ensured overall well-being.
What Exactly is Jogging? Jogging is a form of sustained running or trotting at a
steady and slow pace. It is much slower than running but is faster than walking.
The main purpose of jogging is to maintain your tempo without causing much
strain to the body. This is less taxing on the body, consumes much lesser energy
and thereby, helps to sustain for a longer time.
What is Jogging Jogging is best suited for people who do not engage in rigorous
fitness regimes. It is widely used by people to warm up and cool down the body
during exercise routines or runs. People who prepare for runs and marathons take
up jogging to build stamina and prep the body. Reasons Why Jogging is Good for
You Jogging is a complete workout and also serves to prepare the body for an
intense workout and other physical activities. You would be surprised to know
that jogging does much more for your body than just helping with weight loss. It
helps to build endurance and stamina in the body without being too harsh. It
strengthens the muscles and bones and also keeps the heart and mind healthy. The
long list of health benefits of jogging has been discussed below: Reasons
Jogging is Good 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. 5. Good
for the Heart Jogging is an excellent cardiovascular workout that boosts the
health of your heart. It helps to keep heart problems and diseases at bay.
Jogging ensures that blood is pumped faster to the heart and, thus, maintains
blood pressure. Cholesterol and blood glucose levels are also under control.
Jogging Benefits 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 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 while10 Surprising Benefits
of Jogging that You Must Know Jogging
Here are some tips to keep in mind while jogging: Safety Tips for 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. FAQs 1. What is the Difference between Jogging
and Running? The most basic difference between jogging and running is that
jogging is at a slower pace. Not only is running faster, but it also uses more
energy and burns more calories. Jogging is easier on the muscles, heart and the
lungs. When jogging, the feet make maximum contact with the ground as compared
to running. However, while running, the feet make only minimal contact with the
ground. Thus, jogging is more weight-bearing. Running is essentially a
high-intensity workout. 2. Is it Good to Jog Daily? Jogging daily may not be as
strenuous as running, but it is certainly higher in intensity than walking. You
must not over-exert yourself at any cost. Your body must be given enough rest to
relax and recuperate. Otherwise, it would strain your joints and muscles. You
may end up with injuries. It may even cause excessive fatigue and depression. 3.
At What Age Can a Child Start Jogging? The right time for a child to start
jogging is around 7-8 years of age. Children in the age group of 4-14 years can
easily run about 4 km or for about half an hour. The key is to not rush. A child
can go jogging for about 2-3 km, to begin with, and, then, may increase the
duration and distance gradually. 4. Is It Better to Jog in the Morning or
Evening? It is advised that one mustn’t go jogging very early in the morning.
This is because the body temperature lower and the bodily functions haven’t
kicked in fully during this time. Jogging in the evening is far more beneficial
and suitable for the body. By this time, the lung function is better and the
bones are active and fluid. The body temperature is also higher in the evening,
making it feel easier to jog or run. While it may not be possible for everyone
to take out enough time during the latter half, it is better to exercise
whenever possible than not at all. With so many benefits on your side, jogging
makes for an efficient and fruitful choice of workout. Forget fancy fitness
routines and rigorous diets. So, pull up your socks, make an effort and jog
yourself to a healthy life.
