Benefits of Running

Running is an excellent way to get in shape and stay that way. Most people start running to lose weight but quickly learn that they gain much more then losing weight. There are many potential benefits beyond weight loss that come from running.There are five that runners report are the most beneficial.

Getting in Shape- many people that start running are doing so to prevent health risks associated with obesity. This makes losing those extra pounds and keeping them of the best benefit of running.

Prevents Muscle and Bone loss- without proper exercise our bones and muscles begin to deteriorate and age much faster. Running helps maintain healthy bones and muscles. It also releases human growth hormone which helps keep us looking younger.

Fight Disease- By running you are lowering your risk of both stroke and breast cancer. Doctors have been know to prescribe running as a prevention technique for those people who are ate a higher risk. Its also beneficial to people that have or are at risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, and hypertension.

Maintaining and Improving General Health-running is one of the best exercises that you can do to improve overall health. It reduces blood clots, encourages lung use, and lowers bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol.

Confidence-Running helps to build the runners confidence. You are able to set your own goals and then run by them time and time again. There is also the confidence of knowing you are strong and look fantastic.

What is Interval Cardio Training

Many women have heard of interval cardio training, they have even heard of its benefits. What many women don't know is what exactly interval cardio training is.

Interval cardio training is a form of training that started on the treadmill but can basically be used on any cardio machine. The concept is that you run at a moderate speed and raise it to high speeds for short periods of time throughout the workout.

For example: If you are running in 5 min intervals you would go for 4 min at a moderate speed and then raise it to a faster speed for 1 min. Then do it over again and again until the workout was finished.

This type of work out has shown to raise your metabolism and keep it there. This means that even after the workout is finished you are still burning calories. With normal cardio the calories stop burning when you stop moving.

You will benefit even more from interval cardio training if you combine it with a good resistance program. It is important to do the resistance first as doing them after the cardio can have adverse effects.