Health & Injuries
Running is one of the most basic forms of exercises that can help you stay fit. If you run frequently, it’s a given that your body gets stronger and sturdier. However, have you ever wondered what exactly happens to your body when you run?
As you start running, your heart rate will be high. Your breath too will feel heavy. What is happening is that by breathing oxygen into the lungs, your body is transporting oxygen to the muscle fibre. This oxygenated blood is further pumped into the muscles.
The burning of glycogen and oxygen raises your body temperature, and your body uses adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which are energy molecules. As a beginner, you might not have an adequate supply of ATP. This leaves you exhausted. Muscle aches and pains are a part and parcel of running, especially the day after a successful run. However, injuries are not. As you continue and push yourself, you find an improvement in mood due to the release of dopamine. You will subsequently find an improved mood and a sense of empowerment.
After a month, running starts to get easier. You’ll find yourself to be more productive. Running also helps stimulate the growth of fresh grey matter in your brain. You will be more focused and active due to the production of new brain cells; and running might help you lose addictions as well. Research has found that running can repair drug-damaged parts of the brain. Other than that, you feel more energetic, and you might also find your body getting a more defined shape.
With the cholesterol level in check, your heart will be in better shape. With various neuromuscular changes, you will be able to run more efficiently. Besides this, you will be able to cover three to four times more distance as compared to the time when you started. Your body will use oxygen to burn glucose and fat. There will also be an improvement in your sleeping pattern. With your metabolism in check, it will also be easier to maintain your weight.
