1. Reduces the risk of hypertension and heart disease
As with other forms of aerobic fitness, jogging should provide your body with a rigorous cardiovascular workout, which can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of hypertension. Research has also shown that jogging activates a mechanism in the body, which lowers LDL cholesterol in your blood stream, so it should also reduce your chance of suffering from hypertension.
2. Boosts your immune system
Jogging is known to stimulate the body’s ability to produce lymphocytes, which are the white blood cells that fight infection through your immune system. Jogging also stimulates the body to produce bacteria-fighting cells, called macrophages. By boosting your immunity, you have a higher chance of fighting off infections, so not only will the activity get you in shape but it should also reduce the amount of sick days you take.
3. Cheers you up
If you want a solution to feeling blue without investing in an expensive session on a psychologist’s sofa, jogging might just be the answer. After a few minutes on the running track or on a treadmill, your body will release the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which should turn that frown upside down. Exercise has also been shown to improve individual’s self-esteem, provoking a sense of achievement and overall wellbeing.
