This is a very AMAZING list of 16 reasons why you would want to run. This list was published by https://womensrunninguk.co.uk/home-page-feature/the-health-benefits-of-running/ and I wanted to share it with you so that you can see from a different perspective why running is important.

1. JOINTS

The muscles around the joints strengthen and take the pressure off­ the joints themselves. This reduces the risk of – and helps to treat – osteoarthritis.

2. MUSCLES

Muscle strength increases with running, reducing joint problems, lowering blood pressure and improving all-round fitness. Body shape changes can help self-confidence, too.

3. PANCREAS

Your pancreas makes insulin, which is responsible for regulating your blood sugar levels. Regular exercise and keeping to a healthy weight lowers your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 50 per cent.

4. BLOOD VESSELS

A healthy circulation needs normal blood pressure. New blood vessels grow as muscles strengthen and this reduces the pressure in the system. Bad cholesterol levels fall and atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels) is prevented.

5. SKIN

Conditions such as psoriasis and eczema often flare up with high stress levels. The calming influence of running can help improve skin and it boosts self confidence, too, which can often be low in sufferers of long-term skin conditions.

6. BOWELS

You can halve your risk of bowel cancer by running regularly! Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms are also relieved, by easing constipation and bloating. Stress levels are closely linked to IBS too, so running helps.

7. OVARIES

Women with polycystic ovaries are often overweight and their condition makes it harder to lose it. Regular running can be a real boost physically and psychologically. Running can ease PMT for some women, too.

8. BONES

Regular running helps to improve and maintain the density or strength of your bones, reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.

9. BRAIN

Feel-good brain chemicals and hormones are released when you run, helping to ease stress and anxiety and treat depression. In addition, your risk of dementia and stroke falls as brain circulation is kept healthy. Concentration, memory and motivation sharpen and sleep improves, too.

10. EYES

Regular running helps prevent eye diseases, such as glaucoma, where the internal pressure of the eye increases, which can result in blindness. You can reduce your risk of developing it by up to 25 per cent by running.

11. LIVER

Using running to keep to a healthy weight significantly reduces the risk of developing “fatty liver” – an increasingly common problem where fat builds up in liver cells. In most cases it is harmless, but it’s linked to heart disease and stroke, and can occasionally become inflamed, leading to cirrhosis.

12. HEART

You can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 35 per cent with regular exercise. Reductions in weight, blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels lead to a healthier heart.

13. BREASTS

There is up to a 20 per cent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer in regular runners. If you have had breast cancer, then running regularly can reduce the risk of it recurring by as much as 40 per cent.

14. LUNGS

Running improves your lung capacity and strengthens your respiratory muscles – these are the muscles between your ribs and in your diaphragm. Your lungs also become more efficient – great news for those with asthma.

15. WOMB

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women. By using running to keep you at a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk by possibly as much as 50 per cent.

16. SEXUAL ORGANS

Many women report an increase in their libido (sex drive) when they run regularly. Whether due to improved body confidence being more relaxed or brain chemical release, it’s a benefit you can enjoy!

I can attest to many of these benefits.