Health Benefits of Running (Low Mileage) May Surprise You

You don’t have to be a genius to understand that there are definite health benefits of running.

I think even non-runners can agree with that statement.

But according to a recent study released by the Mayo Clinic, the amount of mileage required to see the lasting health benefits of running may be significantly less than expected.

The Health Benefits of Running are Many

From one runner to another, I assume you are aware of some of the many health benefits of running regularly.

There are the more obvious benefits like weight loss and improved health, and some of the less obvious like improved bone density and brain health/function.

But how much running is required to get all of these benefits?

Turns out, not much.

According the our governmental standards, to see lasting health benefits from running an adult must run about 75 minutes per week.

For me, and possibly for you as well, that doesn’t sound like much! Most weeks, I’m getting close to 3 times that amount and I know many runners that are regularly doing even more than that.

But for non-runners, that definitely sounds like a lot!

Well rest easy y’all, because you can get all of the health benefits of running in as little as 52 minutes of running per week.

What’s the Catch?

There isn’t one.

The conclusions of the new study pretty much speak for themselves.

Want to live longer? Run.
Want to decrease your risk of being disabled? Run.
Want to avoid diabetes, obesity, many types of cancer, osteoporosis, and more? Run.

Our bodies are made to move. If we don’t move, they will start to break down.

If you want to run more than 52 minutes a week, that’s awesome! Do it!

And contrary to what some might say, there isn’t much downside to running longer distances/durations. (That fear is also addressed in the Mayo Clinic study/article)

But if you just want to maximize the health benefits of running, all it takes is a 2-3 runs a week.

So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

What are Some of the Health Benefits of Running Have You Noticed in Your Life Since You Started Running?