Did you know that in less than 60 minutes of aerobic excercise, such as jogging, you can burn over 500 calories?  It’s no wonder that so many people across the globe stay fit through jogging.  It really helps do the body good and keeps you energized.

Another really great thing about jogging for excercise is that you can pretty much do it anywhere.  You can hit the road with your dog or even just hop on the treadmill here at the Waterford Place fitness center.  It’s really up to you.

If you’re a newbie looking to start jogging for excercise (or just thinking about it), an important thing to remember is to pace yourself.  Don’t try to do too much too fast.  Doing a mile or two at a time for the first week or so is perfetly fine.  And then when you start getting your legs about you, you can kick it up a notch!  If you’re still on the fence about getting started with jogging, here are a few other health benefits to think about that I found in The Runner’s Guide…

1. Jogging can help strengthen your heart.  Regular excercise will lower your blood pressure and help to promote elsticity in your arteries.
2. Jogging can help slow the aging process.  The physcial demands of the excercise actually promote bone strength.  Those who jog are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss compared to those that don’t run regularly.
3. The experience of the “runner’s high!”  When people excercise, they are usually happier and less stressed out.  There is actually an scientific explanation for that fact.  When you work-out and run your body releases hormones called endorphins that help to create a sense of euphoria.  This improves both mood and focus.

(Photo credit: lululemon athletica)