Running is increasing in popularity across the UK and worldwide with millions taking up running in groups or clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Running clubs are popular as they’re an easy opportunity to take part in exercise, improve your running and also make some friends along the way!

Why Choose Group Running?

It may seem a little daunting to join a club, but you will quickly realise that running with a group is the right choice. There are many benefits to running in a group. For many people, getting out for a run in the cold, dark and wet English weather can be very daunting and put a strain on our motivation. Being able to make running a social experience that you look forward to, really can give you an extra pick me up and help with your commitment to exercising.

Physical Benefits of Running

There are many physical health benefits of running. Here are a few of the most important benefits.

Burns Calories

Increasing your energy expenditure will burn more calories. On average, most people burn about 100 calories per mile, making it easier for you to lose a few pounds or meaning you can eat more!

Improved Cardiac Health

It is well known that increasing your fitness has lots of positive effects on your cardiac health. Running or jogging for just 10 minutes a day can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. It also lowers your resting heart rate which is an important indicator of fitness.

Sleep

Running burns energy which will help you sleep at night. Better quality sleep is essential for health as the body repairs itself while you are sleeping.

Stronger Joints

Many people in the past have said running is bad for your joints. However, there is no evidence to support this and on the contrary, there is actually a lower level of hip and knee arthritis amongst active runners compared to other adults. Running can help make your joints stronger and healthier!

Bone Health

After the age of 30 your bone density begins to decrease as you age. Bones are living things and running stimulates growth! High impact exercises like running promotes healthy bone mineral density and will help you to avoid fractures in later life.

Mental Benefits of Running

As well as the many physical benefits of running, it also has a huge effect of your mental health. Here is a few of the many benefits of running on your mental health.

Decreased Feelings of Depression, Stress and Anxiety

Research has shown that running can have a significant impact on your mood and stress levels. Running has a direct impact on the hippocampus in the brain which is believed to control your motivation and concentration levels! It doesn’t matter if you are running or walking, as even walking at a brisk pace has similar positive effects!

Increased Self-esteem and Confidence

Running releases endorphins which are chemicals that reduce levels of pain and stress. It also releases a chemical called serotonin which is responsible for controlling your mood. Increased serotonin = increased happiness! You can even begin to feel positive effects after as little as five minutes. The “runners high” is very much a real thing!

Improved Sleep

Improving your quality of sleep has a great impact on your mental health. Exercise, such as running, not only helps improve the quality of your sleep but also helps you fall asleep faster too! If you engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise you should notice the difference in your sleep that night!

Decreases Cravings

Running can decrease your cravings for unhealthy food and drinks. There is a biological link between exercise and appetite. Combating these cravings can be an excellent way to get you on track towards your weight loss goals.

With all these amazing benefits to running, we’re now offering a bespoke marathon preparation program for all those who love running and aspire to run in the upcoming marathon and reach maximum performance levels. Our marathon prep program will be a 17-week lead-up to the London marathon and will be packed with performance boosting services such as biomechanical assessments, a weekly sports massage or physiotherapy session, running workshops, nutrition guidance, physio-led weekly group runs and more! If you dream of running a marathon but don’t know where to start or how to prepare, call us on: 0207 636 8845 to enquire about our marathon preparation program and all its member perks!