Page 14 - July Impression
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H EALHTY IN IMAGING
I’m too tired, I don’t have time, I’m too out-of- neurotransmitters like serotonin and
shape, it’s just too boring. These are many of norepinephrine, and causes the brain to generate
the common excuses people use when the new neurons.
mere suggestion of running is brought up. Fight Depression
These excuses though, only serve as self-
imposed barriers preventing people from Another beneficial impact of running on the mind
living their best life. and body is its ability to improve mood and help
fight depression. Research shows that just 30
Cardiovascular Fitness minutes on a treadmill is sufficient to help lift the
The impact that running has on a person’s life mood of someone suffering from major depressive
can be dramatic. Improved cardiovascular disorder. In young people, running has been
fitness from running should be no surprise. shown to demonstrate improved psychological
The amount of running necessary to reap functioning, better sleep, and better focus
these benefits of running may not be much. A throughout the day.
study in the Journal of the American College Burn Calories
of Cardiology found that just 5 to 10 minutes
of running at low intensity or pace is sufficient Then there are the well-known calorie burning
for substantial benefits leading to reduced effects of running. At a pace of 5 mph (about a 12-
cardiovascular mortality. minute mile), a 160-pound person will burn 606
calories an hour — and a 200-pound person will
Stress Resisitance
burn 755 calories in that hour. Going faster, at 8
The benefits of running go far beyond mph (a 7:30 mile), those people would burn 861
cardiovascular health. Research has shown and 1,074 calories, respectively.
that the physical exertion of running provides Simple Beginnings
resistance to physiological and emotional
consequences of psychological stressors. The greatest benefit of running is that it all starts
Some researchers hypothesize that this may with a walk and a goal. If a person can walk for
be due to increases in levels of five minutes, they will be able to reach their goals
in time.
