I was wondering if anyone had a wee (or maybe a big) list of benefits of running. I had a wee look on google but most are a bit vague. I was wondering specifically what muscles will running build up? The obvious ones are the legs but do any other bits of the body get a workout by running too?

This is something I was discussing with a friend the other day I had started to get achey painful arms a lot at work...and have tried all manner of things to eleviate the pain, was going to go to the doctors, but you need to know about 2 weeks in advance here that you need him, so tried to sort it myself...but nothing really worked. It really was begining to get me down, as even brushing my hair started the aching...Now since running it appears to have gone..and i have not had achey arms this year!!

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1st ever event will be the Bupa 10,000
http://www.justgiving.com/Angela-Griffin

Im not an expert by any means but I did quite abit of research when I first started and found out that running benefits you in stacks of ways.

Muscular wise, as you said obviously the legs but I found it is very good for you core muscles too i.e abbs, lower back, etc it apparently gives you better posture too and generally improves you body strenght and flexibility.

It also obviously improves your cardio fitness a great deal and strengthens the good old heart muscle alot.

A few other things ive also read about are benefits such as it can improve your focus, self disipline, mental strength, etc which I do beleive as I have noticed a huge difference in how far I can push myself before I give in!

Final benefits ive noticed myself and im sure alot of other will agree with is the natural high! The best feeling in the world after a run when the endorphens kick in and you feel on top of the world! This does wonders for destressing you and generally just putting you in a good mood and feeling good about life.....or is that just me haha

Chris

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Start Weight: 106.5 kg.................Current Weight: 98.5 kg..............Target Weight: 90 kg by Sept 10th (Holiday)

I have a similar problem but it's my back that's annoying me. For a good while now I've been unable to stand up for too long without getting a sore back. I'm hoping that running will help strengthen it a bit.

I like going hill walking too but find it a struggle, hopefully building the muscles in my legs will help with that as will dropping weight.

If it continues I'll go to the doctors and see but I have a feeling it's due to posture and the fact that up until now I've not really exercised regulary.

[QUOTE=Middleton Mouse;206795]I have a similar problem but it's my back that's annoying me. For a good while now I've been unable to stand up for too long without getting a sore back. I'm hoping that running will help strengthen it a bit.

I have a back problem Middleton Mouse, which will never be solved but......my specialist said the most important thing is to keep active!! Since running I've never suffered with backache!

eat pretty much what I want and get into my fav skinny jeans!!!

love running for this

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run. Bird in Boots

Weight loss, especially with longer slower runs, better overall fitness and ability to eat as much as I want are my main benefits

Quite an odd benefit for me but running means i can now wear heels! Seriously it seems to have strengthened my ankles and i can wear heels again after years of not being able to after a nasty ligament injury

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Challenges set by Basd:
sub 25.30 5k
sub 56 10k
sub 2.12 HM
My justgiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Lisa-Preston0

what about the skinny jeans Steve, you forgot to mention those didn't you

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run. Bird in Boots

just seen your before and after pics - wicked!!!!

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run. Bird in Boots

Oh yes....

...and the high heels...

knew it!!!

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A loser is not the one who runs last in the race. It's the one who sits and watches and who has never tried to run. Bird in Boots

i think for me it definately helps with the weight loss and keeping it off (which is why half of the weight has gone back on as stopped running) but this is the new fresh start now i really want to be quoting twinkle toes in the future and posting on here saying i can now eat pretty much anything and get into my new skinny jeans (as never owned a pair and really want to) plus the buzz it gives me when i do run and how bad i feel when i dont

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I can do this thing called running!

Aside from all the other things mentioned health and strenght benefits. A biggy for me was taking up running to take my fitness further, i use to spend a lot of time just in the gym. Now i tend to do more classes and run not sure at the moment i feel any fitter for it but it must be doing my health some good.

Despite finding the running difficult at the moment a big thing for me is the feeling of achievement afterwards the buzz of knowing i found it hard but never gave in. It definitely helps with stress levels aswell for me and helps clear the mind.

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2010 Goals

16th May Great Manchester 10k - Completed (53:01)
5th September Bristol Half Marathon
3rd October New Balance English Half Marathon

It makes me a happier person.

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Goals:
Sub 20:30 5k - Rother Valley, 18 July - 20:13
Emigrate to NZ - August 4th
Sub 41:00 10k - Christchurch, NZ, Sept 2010
http://www.justgiving.com/garethevans5k