Whether you train for a race or jog to meet your daily exercise requirements, jogging is an aerobic exercise that can benefit your mind and body. Body systems affected by jogging include the muscular, skeletal, respiratory and circulatory systems. To enjoy the positive effects of jogging, start your routine gradually based on your current physical fitness. Gradually increase your jogging distance and speed as you build endurance.
Heart and Lung Strength
Jogging requires more effort than many other aerobic exercises, including walking. Initially you might not have the endurance to jog for long distances. With regular jogging sessions, your heart and lungs grow stronger because the jogging requires harder work from these organs. The increased heart rate and blood flow strengthens the heart, while the faster, deeper breaths bring more oxygen to your blood and strengthen the lungs. Regular jogging helps reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. Your strengthened heart pumps more efficiently and decreases your resting heart rate.
Bone Strength
The weight-bearing nature of jogging makes it effective at strengthening bones by increasing the bone density. Stronger bones reduce the risk of osteoporosis as you grow older. The additional effort requirements of the bone cause an increase in strength. Exercises that aren't weight-bearing, such as cycling or swimming, don't offer as much of a bone-strengthening benefit as jogging.
Weight Control
One hour of jogging burns 728 calories in a 200-pound person, according to MayoClinic.com. Walking for the same amount of time at 2 mph only burns 228 calories. The higher calorie burn of jogging aids in weight loss. You also build your muscles with jogging, decreasing your overall body fat. More lean muscle means a higher metabolism for additional weight-loss benefits. A regular jogging program helps you maintain your weight loss once you reach a healthy weight range. Jogging for weight loss becomes more effective when combined with a healthy diet. The nutritious foods also provide the energy you need to jog efficiently.
Psychological Benefits
Beyond the physical effects of the activity, you might notice a difference emotionally and psychologically when you begin jogging. A jogging session gives you a chance to unplug from life. As you increase your endurance and jogging mileage, you gain confidence in your physical ability. This form of exercise also gives you the opportunity to participate in fun runs or longer races. Completing a race might further increase your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment.
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