Is Jogging Bad for You?

Is Jogging Bad for You?
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Jogging is a high-calorie burning form of cardiovascular exercise. Benefits of jogging include improved muscle strength, weight maintenance and lower cholesterol levels. However, if you are older or suffer from a serious medical condition, your doctor may advise you not to participate in a jogging routine. Additionally, to prevent injuries from jogging, you can take some precautions beforehand.

Types

The kneecap is a common area that becomes injured during a jogging or running routine. When you overuse the muscle when jogging, a sprain or strain may occur in the area. To treat the injury, rest the area and apply ice for 20 minute intervals over the course of the day. Hip disorders and back pain may also affect joggers and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Features

According to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, training errors increases your chance of sustaining an injury while running. Common errors include inadequate stretching, increase in hill running, insufficient periods of rest, mileage changes and poor-fitting running sneakers.

Considerations

Running at higher altitudes and in hot weather can be dangerous to joggers. High-altitude jogging may make it difficult to breathe. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can occur when exercising in hot and humid conditions. Also, running in areas affected by pollution may adversely affect your health. According to a 2007 study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine," joggers who were exposed to exhaust fumes experienced a reduction in blood flow to the heart.

Warning

Although jogging over your lifetime reduces the risk of heart disease, this may not be true for sedentary individuals who begin jogging in middle-age, according to a 1985 study published in the "Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners." Sudden death may occur during periods of high-intensity exercise. However, it is more likely to occur if you have an underlying heart condition.

References

Article reviewed by Nicholas Roman Last updated on: Jun 7, 2011

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