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7 Captivating Benefits Of Running In Your 40s + Tips To Know
Running is an ideal exercise that can strengthen your bones, and offers great mental health benefits! If someone asks, How do I sleep at night, I’d say running.
Be it a jog or an exciting sprint, running has been a lovable sport for me in my 40s. A good run rushes in anti-anxiety hormones and helps you shake up pounds. So, you sleep better at night. Let this be an inspiring call to action because running is worth every step.
I love a sporty run just as much as a seasoned Athlon. And in this guide, I’ll share 7 captivating benefits of running in your 40s and tips to know about this frenzy sport that has people tip-toe on their heels.
Interesting Reasons To Start Running In Your 40s
A study published in Harvard Medical school reveals that it is never too late to start exercising in your 40s, 50s or even your 60s.
Mentioned are some the must-know benefits of starting running in your middle life:
1. Reduces Stress And Anxiety
If you’re stressed in your 40s, running can be a great life-changer for you. When you run around, your body releases serotonin and other feel-good hormones including dopamine and endorphins. Running made me cut down on painkillers, and I’ve never been this happy!
Not just that, runner’s high is a great thing for people with episodic anxiety. I mean, once you run like I did, you’ll feel anti-anxiety hormones rushing through your body. This comes in handy for people with PTSD, and other disorders.
Related Article: “9 Benefits Of Running Before Sunrise (+ Tips To Get Started)”
2. Improves Mental Health
As mentioned earlier, running reduces stress and anxiety, but it can also improve your mental health. So, go out and run, even if it means running in 40-degree weather.
The benefits of running in your 40s and 60s don’t end there. Once you run, you kick the habit of smoking cannabis. How so? Well, once you run, your body releases endocannabinoids. These neurotransmitters improve your blood flow to the brain.
Related Article: “9 Functional Ways to Start Running After Quitting Smoking“
But don’t just sprint endlessly. Take one mile at a time, and do see a doctor before you run along. That’s because walking vs running after 40 also has adverse effects like thickening of heart tissue and oxidative stress. So, it is highly recommended to see a doctor before observing any symptoms of heart disease.
Related Article: “Long Distance Running Vs Sprinting (7 In-Depth Comparisons)”
3. Improves Sleep
Like most exercises, running is good for sleep. I’m not going to debate slow jogging vs fast walking but tell the benefits of it. Australian-based research proves that running does improve sleep.
20% of America’s population today is suffering from chronic insomnia. That’s a serious figure for people in their 40s. Also, once you run for a month, you’ll see how well your sleep improves, and your immune system gets better!
Also, running fixes your biological clock and boosts Serotonin levels in your body. This neurotransmitter is an important sleep-wake cycle and helps regulate sleep for people in their 40s, making their quality of life a whole lot better.
4. Builds Muscle Strength And Endurance
Running not only builds your muscle mass but improves your endurance. Run along, and you’ll see how leg muscles, including the quadriceps and calves, become stronger.
Related Article: “Will Running Loss Or Build Muscle? (11 Ways To Prevent It)”
When you are at a marathon pace, your stamina gets better, and you look in better shape. When you complete a 40-mile benchmark, you’ll be in a slender shape, sleep better at night, and keep you away from type 2 diabetes.
Related Article: “How Long Does It Take To Run 7 Miles? [The Ultimate Guide]”
I know it sounds too good to be true but trust me. Take your 40-year-old physique for a run, and you’ll see a massive upgrade in four weeks! You’ll start to shake up some pounds, and weight loss will no longer be a dream.
5. Strengthens Bones And Joints
Running is solid strength training that can solidify your bones and joints. As we reach our forties, we become more vulnerable to fractures.
Related Article: “Can You Run With A Broken Toe? (Research And Evidence-Based)”
A study has associated running with increased bone density. It has multiple benefits on calf muscles and quadriceps.
If you don’t go for a run today, you’ll have a 1% increase in bone-related disease every year. In other words, running can add years to your life.
6. Reduces The Risk Of Serious Diseases
Even if you’re pounding the pavement for 30 minutes a day, you can stay away from death. How come? Well, research suggests that adults aged 18 to 100 have a 30% lower all-cause mortality and 45% lower cardiovascular mortality compared to non-runners. So, yes, running reduces the risk of developing serious diseases.
Well, research suggests that adults aged 18 to 100 have a 30% lower all-cause mortality and 45% lower cardiovascular mortality compared to non-runners. So, yes, running reduces the risk of developing serious diseases.
If you lack the energy to run, you’re not alone! Today, about 39% of American adults aged 40 share the same problem. 27% of adults stopped running because of health issues. They used to run marathons but got sick with diseases like myocardial fibrosis.
Related Article: “Why Is Running So Hard For Me? (15 Easy Tips For Beginners)”
Motivational Call to Action
Running can set your mind straight, and help you prioritize life. Once you have developed the habit of running, you’ll start to value diet and live longer. I can’t recall the days without running, and I encourage you to run while you can.
Tips To Know For Running In Your 40s
Here are some tips to know for running in your 40s:
- Start slowly, set up milestones, and gradually build intensity.
- Get a good running gear.
Related Article: “9 Best Running Shoes For Narrow Feet (+ Factors To Consider)”
- Have a solid running plan. Set timers, and follow the running apps.
- Follow a well-balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.
Related Article: “Does Running Burn Belly Fat And Love Handles? (5 Easy Tips)”
- Take rest days so to have enough recovery time for your body.
- Enjoy the process and celebrate every accomplishment, big or small.
Conclusion
That’s all the 7 captivating benefits of running in your 40s + tips to know. Remember, there’s no better time to jog than today.
The benefits of running double when you reach your forties, and once you start running, your body gets on the right track. So, make sure you don’t miss a leg day, and run away from your health problems, the right way.
If you want to learn how I was able to write a very comprehensive blog on this topic, you may read Adam C. Wellman’s book Run For Your Life!. This book has cleared all my confusion related to running and its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, running helps you age well. Researchers have proven that runners live 3.2 years longer than non-runners. That’s a considerate figure on how running positively affects your health and longevity.
A 40-year-old man should run at least three to five times a week for better health & longevity. Evidence shows that runners usually live 3.2 years longer as compared to non-runners.
A 40-year-old runner should have a weekly mileage of 25 to 30 miles. Marathon training plans, like those from Hal Higdon and NY Road if you’re one of the runners age 40 running fast in your 40s, you should often consider a base of 25 to 30 miles.
