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Running is probably the most effective exercise alone there is for losing weight, provided you don't overdo it (and trust me, my knees can tell you this from experience). It is an "all-over" fat burner that utilizes muscles all over the body rather than just one particular area, thus you lose weight from all over. This is why hardcore runners appear so lean. Running quickly burns through stored fat, and also works on stored carbohydrates as well.

Running is a cardio exercise of course, so it gets your lungs breathing more deeply and forces you to regulate your breathing. It also speeds your heart rate. Seasoned runners who run often tend to have slow heart rates, similar to those of someone who is not in great shape. This seems odd, but it is actually because the heart muscle is so well in shape that it doesnt need to work as hard to pump blood through itself. It becomes very very strong through running.
Runners tend to have better coordination and focus. Their whole body moves when they run, and they must focus on form, keeping eyes and neck and arms at the proper level, while propelling their legs and keeping a good pace. In a particularly hard run, the runner must rely on his or her mental state and put mind over matter, helping the body finish when it is ready to quit. This kind of mental training is great preparation for real-life obstacles.
Running is also an aesthetically-enhancing exercise too. It tones the whole body all over.

Learn more about this author, Logan Stewart.
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