Effects of Jogging On Your BodyThe effects of jogging on the heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and other related diseases have been found to be positive. The American Heart Association's scientific position on physical fitness is that inactivity "...is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease." And, since the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease, some kind of regular physical fitness is necessary to remain healthy.
Jogging is generally performed at a moderately intense level. It elevates your heart rate causing your heart to pump more blood while you take in more oxygen that is filtered through the lungs, circulated throughout the blood stream and finally into your muscles. Once the glycogen ("sugar") is burned off the body turns to the fat and begins metabolizing it for fuel. The muscles need energy in order to perform. They simply cannot do what's required of them otherwise. Jogging engages your largest muscles such as your hamstrings, quadriceps, gluteus maximus and abdomen in order to keep you upright and propel you forward over longer distances. After 30 minutes of exertion your body recognizes it needs to get serious about locating fuel. The muscles are demanding backup support since the sugar burned off so to continue stoking the fire, the body begins metabolizing fat. This way muscles get their much needed fuel to continue performing longer and harder.
Your heart is a muscle. It needs to be exercised regularly. Most of us enjoy having and looking at toned muscles. The heart will also become more "toned" as you exercise it. The effects of jogging on the heart train it to become stronger and bigger just like any other muscles we train. By strengthening your heart muscle you make it more efficient at pumping blood during physical activities and also while you're at rest. Endurance athletes often have resting heart rates of 40 beats per minute. While the average person has a resting heart rate around 70 beats per minute. The stronger your heart is the better it will serve you. Even if you suffer from cardiovascular disease, regular jogging can improve your fitness and exercise performance. Of course, always ask your doctor first before undertaking any fitness program.
The effects of jogging on a person with high blood pressure will help to lower it. The advantage of regular jogging for 30 or more minutes on most days of the week will lower blood pressure levels. Just getting outside, breathing the fresh air and allowing your mind to relax is a great stress reliever. Naturally, too, the more weight you have the more work there is for your heart which contributes to your increased blood pressure.
Since jogging helps metabolize fat it's a terrific way to lose weight reduce body fat and maintain a healthy weight. If you're at your ideal weight you'll be less likely to develop diabetes which is a serious problem for many of us. Jogging may also decrease insulin requirements for people with diabetes. Moreover, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Studies show that regular physical activity can significantly increase HDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease while burning fat.
Jogging also helps to keep you arteries more pliant so that blood flows more easily. Think of your arteries like the drainage pipes in your home. When the pipes are backed up with sludge you have to pour a drainage solution down the pipes to strip them of the sludge. Well, we can't take drainage solutions for our arteries, of course, and we don't have to since the effects of jogging naturally help your arteries by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and strengthening your cardiovascular system. Overall, jogging provides positive benefits to your body, health and mind. Effects of Jogging Back to Jogging101
|
