- Help to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise.
- Strengthen muscles.
- Improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Burn plenty of kilojoules.
- Help maintain a healthy weight.
Running targets mainly your legs and butt. The muscles which are used to power you through your run are quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and glutes. Regular running will definitely get you a toned, fit body including a firm butt.
While these benefits can be achieved by a minimal amount of daily running, a group of Dutch researchers recommends running 2.5 hours per week, or 30 minutes, five days a week to enjoy maximum longevity benefits. Other benefits of running may include improved sleep and mood.
Although running itself won’t likely produce noticeable ab muscles for most people, it can certainly help by helping you burn fat. If you take the right actions and stay motivated, you can use running and several other fitness elements to get six-pack abs. Remember, your core may be weak even if you have a six-pack.
Walking and running are great ways to build leg strength. However, over time, your legs become accustomed to the motion and eventually can hit a plateau. This could also limit your performance.
Consistent running is important for building endurance, but if you are just starting out, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not run too much or too hard too quickly. With time, you can safely start to increase speed, distance, and frequency of runs.