First Author: Brett Gilbert

Second Author: Alisha Foster

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2.2. Benefits of Jogging

 

"That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So, I ran to the end of the road, and when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason, I just kept on going..." -Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump^[1]

 

This article discusses the Six Different Benefits of Jogging

• Physical
• Emotional
• Intellectual
• Interpersonal
• Spiritual
• Enviromental

 

 

2.2.1. Physical benefits                   

A. What students think^[2]:

• Weight loss
• Muscle building
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Boost self-esteem
• Boost energy throughout the day
• Improves ability for other sports
• Improves lung capacity
• Disease prevention
• Bone strengthening

B.What research shows^[3]:

• One of the best Aerobic Exercises for Conditioning Heart and Lungs
• Decrease the Risk of Heart Attack
• Stress Reliever
• Increases Energy
• Improve Fitness and Stamina
• Increase Bone Density
• Weight Loss
• Build Muscle Mass
•  Increase Metabolism ^[4]

 

2.2.2. Emotional benefits

A. What students think^[5] 

• Produces endorphins that make you happy- "runner's high"
• Feelings of accomplishment
• Relaxes the body
• Clears the mind
• Releases stress, anger, sadness, etc.
• Alone time-just you and the road

 

B.What research shows^[6] 

• Confidence - "Running builds confidence like few other individual sports can. It allows the runner to defeat trial after trial, growing stronger and more sure of themselves with each footstrike." "It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable."
• Character - "By making yourself overcome the obstacles that running brings, you learn focus and determination. The will and strength that gets your body through long runs or those runs you'd much rather skip is what in turn strengthens your mind and gives you focus and determination in other areas of your life."
• Stress Relief - "allowing you the time to think about life's problems or time to escape them for awhile, tension easily flies by the wayside as you fly over the miles."
• "Runners High" - "jogging has also been proven to improve attitude. Running, especially outside and on trails, creates a release of endorphins that can cause euphoria (runner's high) or just a general sense of happiness."

 

2.2.3. Intellectual benefits

A. What students think^[7]

• Wakes you up for class
• De-stress
• Develops discipline/commitment
• Improves time management/schedualing

 

B.What research shows

• Creativity
• Collaboration^[8]
• Increased Memory^[9]
• Focus
• Determination
• Discipline
• Time Management Skills^[10]

 

2.2.4. Interpersonal benefits

A. What students think^[11]

• Public acceptance
• Make friends
• Motivate others and be motivated
• Networking amoungst runners
• Improves confidence
• Builds Relationships
• Running with a friend makes running a more enjoyable experience

 

B.What research shows^[12]

• Participation in Running Groups or Clubs
• Community Involvement
• Training Buddies/Partners
• Participation in Local Events or Fundraisers
• Motivation
• Socialization, Increase your Social Circle
• Healthy Competition
• Confidence

 

 

2.2.5. Spiritual benefits

A.^[13]  

1. Appreciation for Nature and all God has created
2. Facilitates introspection
3. Humbling
4. Getting into the zone
5. Reverend Roger D. Joslin-Episcopal Minister in Bentonville authored Running the Spiritual Path

 

 

B.^[14]

• Allows Personal Time with God
• Individual Prayer Connection to God's Creation I
• ntrospection into Daily Walk with God
• New Perspective on Spirtuality  

 

2.2.6. Environmental benefits

A.^[15]  

• Use less gas

• Smaller carbon footprint

• Joggers maintain trails

• Joggers are at the forefront of park conservation

B.^[16]

• Maintain and Creation of Trails

• Possible Mode of Transportation

• Less Pollution

• Doesn't Require Equipment  

 

 

 ^[17]