Jogging or running is definitely one of the most beneficial forms of exercise and this website discusses the benefits of jogging and how to get started.

If you are worried that jogging is strenuous, then you must know that it is not. Jogging requires lesser effort on the body than running. It is really easy and ideal for many people especially the sedentary ones who may have decided to be more active. If you jog regularly, your heart will get stronger, weight controlled, stamina built and stress lessened, muscles are toned and aging problems are reduced. Contrary to the opinion that it’s tiresome, running will make you feel physically alert and can keep your spirit up to do your everyday routines.

Jogging can be done regularly or anytime of the day, in the morning, early evening or late evening hours. However, because running can make you lose fluids in the body, never jog during hot and humid hours. We also recommended against running (or doing any exercise for that matter) after a meal. Wait for an hour or two to pass before running.

Here are ten benefits of jogging — all excellent reasons why you should get into the habit.

Good for the Heart and Lungs

Jogging is perfect for the heart and lungs. It can improve your cardiovascular fitness. If you jog regularly, your heart, lungs and vascular system can function efficiently. As you jog, the lungs capacity to take in more oxygen is improved. The heart pumps and is able to transport oxygen for the muscles to use. Stamina or endurance, reduced heart disorders and weight loss results from better cardiovascular fitness.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Jogging can lower blood pressure. Because cardiovascular fitness is improved, there is a lower risk of elevated blood pressure or hypertension. There are many complications arising from hypertension. The blood vessels are weakened when blood pressure shoots up  and this can result to aneurysms, atherosclerosis and hemorrhage.

An aneurysm happens when part of a blood vessel (artery) or cardiac chamber bulges due to damaged blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material are build up along the walls of arteries. When the fatty material coagulates, this can block the arteries. Hemorrhage results from hypertension characterized by excessive discharge of blood from the blood vessels. These three can be fatal because they can lead to heart attacks and cardiac disorders. They can also result to brain damage, kidney disorders, and eye problems. However, with running, these diseases can be prevented.

Improves Endurance

Jogging improves your strength or endurance. Better endurance is achieved when the lungs is able to take in more oxygen for the blood to pump. This increases the amount of energy that your body can absorb. You can jog longer if you have endurance. You will not feel any fatigue or exhaustion when doing some other activities.

Strengthens Bones

Jogging makes the bones stronger. Regular jogging can keep the bones healthy.  Increase in bone mineral density is caused by weight bearing exercises. When the bones are strong, they aren’t prone to bending, fracturing or breaking. Therefore, running can prevent bone disorders like arthritis, rheumatism or osteoporosis. The muscles, the bones and joints are kept in excellent condition.

Reduces Cancer Risks

Jogging can reduce risks of cancer. A study by the State University of New York at Buffalo revealed that strenuous activity like running can prevent cancer risks particularly breast cancer. Other cancer risks like lung cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer can also be reduced. This finding may be related to the fact that running relieves the body of stress; as we know stress is one of the causes of cancers.

Prevents and Fights Diabetes

Jogging can prevent or help treat diabetes. The usual causes of diabetes are sedentary life and overweight. Doing more exercise such as jogging can prevent early stage of diabetes to becoming a full blown Type II diabetes. Jogging can also be a form of treatment along with the medications if you have already diabetes.

Strengthens the Immune System

Jogging strengthens the immune system. If you exercise regularly the production of white blood cells or lymphocytes, as well as the macrophages or cells attacking bacteria is increased. It also speeds up the circulation of immune system cells all over the body and this make them fight bacteria and viruses even more efficiently.

Improves Mental Health

Jogging can improve mental health and boost your self confidence.  It gives you a respite from the stressful everyday routine and diverts your attention towards positive means to focus on. It can also stimulate your mood by releasing endorphins which is the hormone that releases sense of happiness and well-being. It also develops a skill to discipline oneself which can also be helpful to apply in everyday life.

Reduces Body Fat

It reduces fat levels in the body. If you jog daily, you will lose 750 calories. Burning calories can be effective when you jog. The amount of calories in what you eat before jogging should be the same so you can calculate accurately the calories you burned. Weight and fat levels in the body can be kept checked when you burn calories as often as your food intakes.

Improves Sleep Quality

It helps you improve your sleep. When you jog in the morning, you are sure to get a good night rest. Because jogging can help you relax and be stress-free, then you can sleep tightly.

Jogging can be very beneficial physically and mentally. This is definitely a good exercise. If you can keep it as a daily habit then your entire well-being will be improved.