Spring is around, the season of life, rebirth, joy, and love. There are flowers blooming everywhere in different hues. This is my favorite time of the year. I feel elated and highly spirited, as I experience exhilarating joy and peace at the same time. At this time of the year being outdoors can be fun and refreshing. Playing badminton, long leisure walks, or jogging in the park, the cool breeze dipped in flower fragrances put me on cloud nine.  

This Sunday morning, I went to the nearby park, walked for a while, and then did some jogging. I am trying this after long, but to my surprise was able to Jog 2.5 kms in one go. It was refreshing and lightening. There was fresh air, sunrise hues, and the chirping of birds.

Jogging is running at a slow pace, a pace between walking and running. There is no set speed limit for it as everyone walks at their own pace and it can differ from person to person. To put it simple – its unlike paced stressful life nor like the lazy one but, the balance between the two.

There is increasing awareness about physical fitness in our community. Especially after the covid pandemic era when the physically weaker section faced the worst symptoms. Physical activity increases our body’s immunity and help us recover early from ailments. This blog focus on the benefits of jogging when we choose it as a physical activity.

Jogging is the simplest and most economical form of exercise. It doesn’t need any special equipment or training but just a good pair of shoes. Jogging done regularly can improve health, fitness, and function. 

Health Benefits of jogging when done on a regular basis:

1. Improves Cardiovascular Fitness – Regular jogging makes our heart muscles strong, thus improves myocardial contraction, better electrical stability, improved coronary artery health, and better formation of collateral circulation. This all helps our heart better response to stress.
2. Builds Muscle Strength – Muscles responsible for mobility are the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. During jogging the front and backward movement puts stress on these muscles and make them strong and also reduces risk of injury. Off course good shapes to our legs 🙂
3. Increase Endurance – Increases the ability to do high intensity physical activities for prolonged duration.
4. Results in Stronger Bones -Regular exercise increases blood flow to marrow and aids in increasing bone density and strength. Needless to say, prevents osteoporosis in women.
5. Weight Loss – Going by rule of thumb, for weight loss calorie consumed should be less then the calories burnt. Although nutrition plays an important role in weight loss but activities such as jogging will burn appreciable amount of calories gradually and thus aid in healthy weight loss.
6. Improves Immunity – Physical fitness improves body’s ability to fight infections by improving immunity.
7. Alleviate anxiety and Better Sleep – Physical activity releases good feeling endorphins, that make us feel good, boost our self esteem, ease depression and anxiety.

Jogging at slow to moderate pace for 2-3 times a week along-with weight training for alternate 2-3 days in a week, increase strength, endurance and improves overall fitness.

“Keep going should be the motto in life”