by Naomi Nevill

Created on: June 07, 2008

Running is a fantastic cardiovascular work out, which means it helps to lower cholesterol, almost all ages will benefit, great for people with high cholesterol or blood pressure and it can reduce the risk of heart disease. Obviously working most of the leg muscles, if you decide to go a bit up hill the benefits are more but you'll have to be a bit of a crazed fanatic run it all up hill, well nothing wrong with being a bit crazed I should know. It helps to tone up the stomach muscles and if you want to work you're arms as well, then arm weights are a must, running helps you to be lean and toned.

Some people like city some people like country and some like track running, it takes a while to find your thing.
I would advise on bringing a water bottle, seems obvious I know but even if you're not feeling thirsty at the time drinking before you go doesn't really have the same affect and what starts out as an annoying ace in you're jaw or neck can turn in to an acing pain in you're chest. A bottle with a screw on top just doesn't work you loose you're pace or stop completely trying to get it open, I would go for the push pull top, if you don't want to carry them you can put them in a bum bag.
Running is also good for your skin and can help to clear up acne, getting rid of all the excess salt.
Running wear isn't as important as everybody makes out, all you really need is a decent pair of jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. You'll need a pair of trainers/sneakers that you feel comfortable in but watch out, trainer sox may look cool but sometimes you can get blisters.
I think that the best way to get out in the sun-shine is running, you get a great tan, stock up on valuable vitamin D and for all you lucky people that live in all year round sun shine, you can run outside pretty much all the time.
I've talked about the physical health benefits but what about the mental ones? Its great for stress relief and helps to fight against depression, once you've finished you're run everything looks a bit clearer, very good if you want to clear you're head, and no high blood pressure for you! Naomi says relax.
I really don't think there is anything like a good run, the feeling of freedom that you get from it is amazing, being totally and utterly in control so if you want to get fit, relive stress or get a bit of control back in you're hectic little life then running is definitely for you.

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