Running affects us in many different ways, both mentally and physically. The majority of these effects will be of a positive nature, and yet it is worth being aware that there could also be negative effects too.
Trading your walking boots for running shoes will help you not only lose weight, but it will even help you change the shape of your body too, allowing your muscles to be far more toned and your torso to look and feel a great deal tighter. In terms of physical health, running will also help strengthen both the heart and the vascular system in general. On top of this, the right amount of running can also help improve sleep patterns and, in turn, whilst it may tire you out at the time, ultimately, an exercise regime that includes running will actually leave you more refreshed.
Running also releases endorphins and this, combined with the boost in health and the change to body shape, can also seriously improve mental wellbeing, allowing people to feel peaceful and generally happier. Running can even help reduce the chances or the affects of depression.
So what are the negative effects? Well, the impact of running can be harmful to the body, not just the joints that are constantly being pounded, but even organs can get a beating on particularly rough terrain. However, there are ways to reduce these negative effects.
Firstly, wearing specific footwear such as Vibram toe shoes can help you run in the correct way. By wearing Vibram barefoot running shoes you are far more likely to run more naturally, landing on the ball of your feet as opposed to the heel. This can reduce the impact caused on your body by up to eight times, reducing pain, discomfort and any physical damage that running could otherwise cause.