Most of us start running to try to lose weight, but there are other very important benefits of running. Running is important to your health for many reasons and hopefully this article will help give you the motivation you may need to get started running on a regular basis. Below I will share three of the running benefits that are vital to your health.

One of the important health benefits of running that you may not know about is the decreased risk of osteoporosis. People who run regularly are constantly working their bones and joints. This keeps the bones healthy and reduces the risk of osteoporosis as you age. This is an important benefit for everyone, but it is especially vital for people who are at high risk of osteoporosis because of family history or other risk factors.

Most of us know that one of the benefits of running is increasing strength and building lean muscle. It's important to train your muscles in different ways to get the most benefit, so remember to run on uneven surfaces, soft surfaces like sand, and to run up and downhill. Training your muscles to handle these different surfaces and inclines will make your muscles stronger and increase your mobility. If you usually run indoors on a treadmill, use the incline and run outdoors on different surfaces if you are able to.

Did you know that running can help your body fight of illnesses? Running exercises your respiratory and cardiovascular systems which can help your body defend itself against illness. Runners are often less susceptible to viruses, coughs, and even the common cold. If you are prone to catching colds and respiratory illnesses, a regular running plan may help change this pattern.

I hope you see the true value in all of these health-related running benefits. It really would be good for you and your overall well-being to start a regular running habit where you run at least three or four times a week.