People who are hoping to get fit often have a question: “Is running bad for you?”
In fact, if you Google “top questions about fitness,” that’s one of the Top 18.
The short version: Running isn’t bad for you.
But it isn’t the solution to every fitness problem, and it isn’t the best option for some people. Finally, it is possible to run too much if you have certain goals.
RUNNING IS GREAT!
Running is a wonderful activity because it doesn’t require a lot of special equipment or even access to a gym. You can just throw on some runners and hit the sidewalk or paths in any park. Or you can use a treadmill in a garage or basement if you prefer.
Running is a fantastic exercise for training your cardiovascular system. You’ll also strengthen muscles and bones to some degree. In addition, running provides many of the “extra” benefits of general movement: improved mood, better sleep, increased self-confidence, and so on.
Many people love to get out and run for any distance, and some like it so much that they join clubs or start training for long races and even marathons.
WHY DO PEOPLE THINK RUNNING IS BAD?
Well, any activity comes with some risk. We believe that the risks of fitness activities are very small—especially when compared to the many significant health risks of inactivity.
Beyond that, some runners who put in a lot of miles will get “overuse injuries,” and some people have joints that just aren’t happy when a person is pounding the pavement with less-than-perfect technique. Finally, high-volume running can cause some muscle loss if a person avoids strength training or doesn’t eat well.
But that doesn’t mean running is bad.
RUNNING: ONE ELEMENT OF FITNESS
Running is fantastic for cardiovascular training, but you can get many of the benefits of running without putting in 50 miles a week.
And running isn’t the best option for improving strength, power, flexibility, and other elements of fitness.
If your goals include improving general fitness, losing weight, and adding muscle, we’d recommend a program that balances cardiovascular training with strength training (and great nutrition).
Consider this: A well-rounded program might include some workouts in which running is the only movement. But those sessions would be rare compared to sessions that combine other elements of fitness to get the desired result.
For example, someone who wants to lose weight and gain strength wouldn’t need to run 5 miles very often, if at all. A better workout might involve barbell deadlifts, dumbbell presses, and shorter runs of 100 or 200 meters.
In many cases, running can be subbed out for other movements that improve cardiovascular fitness, too. Swimming, cycling, rowing, and paddling are great options, and they all reduce the impact on the joints, which is important for some people.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t run or that it is bad. You’d just be wise to consult a coach to determine if running is the right activity to help you reach your personal goals. If it is, a coach can help you figure out how far, how fast, and how often you need to run. And if it’s not the perfect movement to help you reach your goals, the coach can point you to the right activities.
IS YOUR SPINE HEALTHY
Before embarking on a running regimen, it is crucial to prioritize the health of your spine and nervous system. Seeking the expertise of a chiropractor can be instrumental in ensuring that your body is well-aligned and functioning optimally.
The spine and nervous system play a pivotal role in overall health. Any misalignments or imbalances can affect your body’s ability to handle the impact of running. A chiropractic evaluation can identify potential issues, address existing concerns, and provide personalized guidance to enhance your structural integrity.
Take proactive steps to maintain your spinal health. You can not only optimize your running performance but also reduce the risk of injuries associated with the repetitive impact of this exercise.
Regular chiropractic care can contribute to a holistic approach to fitness. Supporting you in achieving your running goals while, more importantly, prioritizing your long-term well-being.
To learn more about how we can help, check out this short video: https://beverlychiropractic.com/get-help
THE BEST PLAN
Get your spine checked. Talk to a coach. Lay out your goals. Figure out your preferences for fitness activities. Your coach can create a specific plan that gets you fired up to train and produce the results you want.
If you simply enjoy running and don’t experience any muscle or joint pain, jog whenever you want. Running is a great way to stay active. It isn’t bad for you. Just remember that it’s only one aspect of fitness.
And if you hate running, don’t worry: There are many other ways to improve fitness without jogging or sprinting. We know all of them and would be happy to make suggestions.
Dr. Derek Gallant
Dr. Derek Gallant has committed himself to helping others live the best life possible. After graduating from Wesleyan University, he received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life Chiropractic College West where he finished 2nd in his class. He is the owner of Beverly Family Chiropractic and co-founder of The Well Family Foundation. Dr. Gallant is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster technique, an analysis focused on assisting pregnant women in a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Apart from full time practice you can find Derek at the parks and coffee shops around Beverly with his family, training hard at the gym, or at the beach surfing.
