Marathon Training: 5 Benefits of Running That You Should Know About

Science is proof that not just gym-equipments but a simple run on a jogger's track or participating in a marathon, would do you good. Participating in a marathon has great benefits not just for your physical health but also your mental health. We're pretty sure that many tend to avoid marathons because they are afraid of losing the challenge of not completing the distance on time. However, we have reasons for you that will motivate you to go ahead and sign up for a marathon today! Here are 5 benefits of running a marathon that you must know!

Increases Muscle Strength

The best positives of marathons are the physiological benefits it brings to the body. While it does reduce calories and the workouts make your body stronger, it especially helps build and sustain muscle strength. Marathons enable an increased capillary growth in the muscle fibres. The more you participate in marathons, the more your muscles get used to the activity. Yes, initially the body does go through fatigue as it is not used to the sudden exhaustion. However, the more you run, the better your brain is able to distribute glycogen in your body. 5 benefits of planking you didn't know about.

Improves Heart Health

Marathons take a toll on novice runners because their body is not acquainted with the toll it takes on the body. Many aren't even well versed with the techniques of how to sustain through a marathon without collapsing midway. Endurance and speed is a gradual process which will come to you eventually. Apart from that, another perk that will come your way is heart health. Experts guarantee that marathon runners are at a low risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases. The science behind this is simple. A runner consumes more oxygen due to the runs which result in the body pumping a larger volume per beat.

Of course, it does bring about the concern with respect to the athlete's heart. An Athlete's Heart, also known as cardiac hypertrophy, is an exercise-induced non-pathological condition wherein the human heart is enlarged and the resting heart rate is below normal. Some have suggested the plausible long-term implications of an Athlete's heart syndrome, others claim that they're not the same. But you don't have to worry about that because that rarely happens as a side effect of running a marathon. 8 tips women need to remember while buying workout clothes.

Builds Confidence

A lot of individuals often steer clear off the tracks over the fear that they won't be able to accomplish the marathon goal. While the most-spoken benefits of marathons have to do with the health and heart, little do people talk about the mental health advantages. Marathons give you a chance to challenge yourself and the satisfaction of achieving the goal. Research has stated that exercising outdoor is the best way to boost confidence. Not many know this but Vitamin D (which you get from the sun) is the best anti-depressant! The idea is simple, the fresh air, the adrenaline-charged minds, all make for a good combination of positivity that excites your mind and makes you want to out and do things.

Enhances and Increases Productivity

Any kind of physical exertion always results in an intense feeling of happiness. Well, a lot of research proves that people who exercise regularly, most like marathon runners, are often more productive at work than their desk-bound colleagues. Now here's the science behind it. Intense physical exertion results in the brain releasing endorphins that are touted to give you the happy feels. That's right, they are also known as happy hormones. Endomorphines suppresses the stress hormone, also known as cortisol, and makes an individual more ecstatic towards work or life. Workouts also make individuals more creative as it keeps the mind peaceful.

Promotes Longevity

Well, this is no surprise. The more your body is strong and functional as you grow old, the less chronic diseases you attract. As per a 2016 study, it has been proved that marathons increase longevity and runners tend to live longer and stronger lives.

There are various stories floating across social media where marathon runners have vouched for how the runs have kept them going in their life and rather in high spirits!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2018 04:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).