Are you looking for new running groups and clubs to join? The Toronto Running Club, Buddy Run, and the Lululemon Run Crew located in
downtown Toronto all offer free running programs and a great way to meet new people working toward fitness goals. For more information on these clubs, you can visit the websites listed at the bottom of this article. If you live in Toronto and aren't interested in joining a group but are looking for new trails, visit
this website.
Potential social benefits aside, there are many physical benefits to running including an improvement in cardiovascular health and immune system, bone health, lung capacity, and maintaining a
healthy weight. Running can have a positive effect on your mental and emotional health as well, as it encourages improvements in self esteem, stress levels, focus and mental stamina.
In regards to cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels in the body improve with running because it causes an increase in HDL cholesterol, commonly known as “good” cholesterol. When you run, the number of white blood cells in your body also increase, which help fight disease and infection that could lower your immune system effectiveness.
Running outdoors is generally more beneficial than running indoors because of the extra absorption of vitamin D.
It is obvious that running has positive physical effects, but how could it improve your mental state? Every time you go for a run, you're achieving a short-term goal, which boosts your sense of accomplishment. If you complete a running program and meet
long-term goals, this effect is even better. Self-esteem is boosted especially if your appearance changes for the better as a result of your commitment to running.
On a scientific level, the activity of running causes your brain to release endorphins, feel-good chemicals that play a role in boosting your immune system, reducing pain and bringing you a sense of wellbeing and help fight depression. Another important chemical that is released in the brain when you run is norepinephrine, which moderates your brain's response to stress and allows you to react to stressful events in a more relaxed and less impulsive manner.
Multiple studies that shown that the chemicals released in your brain while running also help prevent the declination in brain function that usually happens as humans age, specifically if you're an avid runner between the ages of 25 and 45. Cardiovascular exercise like running even aids the process of neurogenesis, or creating new brain cells, which improves your overall brain performance and intelligence. Physical activity like running is also important for children, too, as it encourages brain development that occurs in earlier years.
Running is an extremely beneficial form of exercise that everyone should try, and it doesn't have to be intimidating. Even if you don't embark on a long and difficult program, jogging a few times a week is a great way to start.
Running groups:
. They are running at Yonge & Eglinton, Yonge & Lawrence and Yonge & St. Clair arrears. At the summer, they run in parks as well, and have social outdoors events, like different type of games or BBQ.
. They run every Saturday in High Park. They start at 9am, don't be lazy and wake up early. You will run 5km, and your results will be recorded ad posted at their webpage.
. They are running over all different areas in Toronto. Follow notifications at their Facebook page.
