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How running helps older women stay healthy

Posted on February 19th, 2008 in Motivation, Uncategorized by

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Running is good not only for the present state of your body but also helps improve the condition of your body even ten years from now. Studies have shown that regular running helps maintain bone mass which is of great importance to women who have crossed menopause. Menopause reduces levels of estrogen in the body which reduces the absorption of calcium in older women which leads to weaker joints and also increased wear and tear in bone joint tissue.

This wear and tear is called osteoarthritis and it is a degenerative joint condition wherein there is deterioration in the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in the joints. When this protective cushioning is absent, the bone rubs against the bone and this causes pain. Although many people believe that osteoarthritis is unavoidable with the onset of old age, studies have shown that female runners tend to lose bone density as a slower rate than others.

Since running aids in the maintenance of bone density, it essentially slows down the ageing process. Osteoarthritis is always associated with age, being overweight and obese and with reduction in estrogen levels. Excess weight however is agreed to be the biggest risk factor in developing osteoarthritis of the knee. Thus gradually with a loss in weight, the load on your knees reduces significantly. Even though losing weight is one of the toughest things possible, every pound counts in the way to good health. Being regular with running helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints and is the best possible way to prevent osteoarthritis because it helps in weight loss and maintenance and also keeps the joints in good condition and the calcium levels elevated. So begin jogging your way to healthy knees and a healthy body.

Have you “run” your best?

Posted on December 7th, 2007 in Motivation by

I started running in July and haven’t stopped since. Sure, it’s a great form of exercise, probably the best and most complete but to be only there was only one motive which made me run. Weight. I was running to lose to flab, for a fitter thinner me, I was literally running away from being fat. I looked in the mirror in the changing room one day, and that was my motivation.

Somewhere along the line, it has become about self-actualization to me. I really don’t want to be Kate Moss or Heidi Klum, I want to do what Maslow talked about- be the best I can be. And if my best isn’t Gisele Bundchen or any other supermodel, that’s fine with me.

That is what each one of us needs to do. Get our inspiration from inside. When I say look in the mirror for I motivation, I don’t mean do what most teenage girls and women are doing. The idea is never to hate yourself, it is not to be discontent with the way you are, it is to fulfill your potential. Every single person owes to it himself or herself to be the best person they are capable of being. 

Running is about being fit and healthy. Not everyone is a Michael Johnson or a Marion Jones but everyone can try. Running increases your stamina, makes you stronger, healthier and fitter and it makes you go about your day in a much more energetic and efficient manner. You won’t be dragging yourself to class nor be a zombie at work if you stick to your morning jog.

Though I may never be an athlete or have a perfect body, I know I am a healthy person and I am comfortable with that. I’m more confident and that’s what all of us need to me. So the mantra is to try to be the best you can be. Pull those sneakers from under your bed and watch as the magic of running enter all the spheres of your life.