Fitness
You'll beat the traffic, relieve stress, feel better and have more money. In fact, there's almost literally no downside to running to work.
Australians have always been an active bunch. But as our major cities get more populated and our public transport infrastructure gets pushed to the limit, the idea of just lacing up your trainers and running to work is becoming more and more attractive.
Tim Fry is a We Run coach based in Cardiff, Wales, who has trained some top Welsh runners, including 12 athletes who have scooped Welsh titles since 2010. Here he reveals the positive effects that running to and from work will have on your body over the course of just one month.
1. It will help you build muscle and lose weight
The most obvious, but to some the most important, reason for running to the office is losing fat and gaining muscle. Although your legs will be given the greatest workout, running is a full-body workout; your glutes will be challenged at every step by supporting your back and controlling the leg swing. If you run up hills or stairs you’ll give your glutes an even better workout – and who doesn’t want a finely toned backside?
Running won’t work your stomach muscles in the same way as sit-ups; however, they stretch and contract as you breathe in and out, and also contract when you lift your legs, so you’ll be working towards the six pack without realising it. Running also works your biceps if you you engage the arms and keep them bent at the elbow.
When you run, your muscles tear very slightly. Your body then repairs these micro tears – and this rebuilding process is how your muscles become defined and strong. Since running uses the whole body to move, multiple muscles will reap the reward. You’ll also gain confidence from weight loss, or at least the increased muscle definition, you’ll get from running.
2. Your vital organs will thank you
Running also bolsters the health of your vital organs – in particular, your heart. Raising your heartbeat for consistent periods of time through jogging gives your heart a workout, too. As it pumps blood, this essential muscle becomes bigger and stronger, and so does a better job of pumping oxygen and nutrients around your body. Studies show that people who run for just an hour a week can reduce their risk of heart disease by almost half compared to non-runners. As the blood is pumped around the body by your healthy heart, oxygen is delivered to other vital areas – such as the brain, skin and organs – ensuring everything is in tip top shape.
3. It reduces your risk of cancer
Obesity is the second most avoidable cause of cancer, according to a recent advertising campaign. The figures speak for themselves on this. In 2009, a Finnish study of 2,560 middle-aged men proved that those who exercised for 30 minutes a day were 50% less likely to die prematurely from cancer than their less active colleagues.
4. Your energy levels will rocket
Have you ever sat at your desk and thought: “I haven’t got the energy to run home tonight”? Don’t worry – the endorphins released whilst running will actually pick you up and you’ll finish with more energy than before you started. Running has the opposite effect to alcohol – which is actually a depressant. So next time you reach for a beer, consider lacing up your running shoes instead.
5. It will boost your brain power
Running to work will improve the quality of your work. In scientific terms, running increases levels of norepinephrine. In layman’s terms, this means you’ll be more able to concentrate and access the depths of your brain to solve those complex problems. Did you know that Enigma code breaker Alan Turing was a keen runner with a marathon PB of 2:46?
6. It can relieve stress
Let’s face it, work can often be a stressful place. Running helps your brain produce fewer stress hormones and more endorphins. It will boost serotonin levels which help you handle everything life – and your manager – can throw at you. Running regularly will help you become a less stressed person in the long term.
7. It’s good for your mental health
Serotonin will also increase your confidence and reduce the risk of depression. Running also lowers kynurenine levels, which are present when a person is suffering from conditions such as stress and anxiety.
8. You’ll sleep better
Regular exercise means regular sleeping patterns and better quality sleep. Studies even suggest it could cure insomnia. Runners tend to fall asleep quicker, partly thanks to being tired after a session – but running also helps relax muscles following the post-endorphin phase.
9. It spices up your sex life
Studies show that runners don’t just have endurance on the road – they also have it between the sheets. Running will not only bolster your body image and confidence, but it also means you’re more likely to have improved energy levels in the bedroom as daily miles help boost your sex drive.
10. You’ll save money
Train fares aren't getting any cheaper, are they? Running will make your body lighter and your wallet heavier. In Melbourne, an annual Zone 1+2 MyKi pass costs in excess of $1500, and the story's much the same in Australia's other major cities. If you don't have some already, a pair of good running trainers might cost $150-$200. It's simple maths – swap your travelcard for your trainers, and jog on.
