Is running actually that good for you? Yes, but only if you prepare properly first
With Oxfam Trailwalker and the Standard Chartered Marathon both on the horizon for Hong Kong runners, experts share their tips on what precautions to take before beginners start going for a jog
As Hong Kong limbers up for its running and trail-racing season – with the 100-kilometre Oxfam Trailwalker taking place later this month (its 36th anniversary) and the Standard Chartered Marathon in January (its 22nd anniversary), among dozens of other on and off-road events – runners are picturing the finish lines to push for that extra kilometre.
But is running actually good for your health? Yes, say experts, as long as you are careful.
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Runners are 30 per cent less likely to have a premature death and 45 per cent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than non-runners, according to a US study published March in the journal Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.
They can even expect to live for three years longer, the study found. And these benefits appear to exceed that of all other physical activities.
“Running may be the most cost-effective lifestyle medicine from a public health perspective,” the study’s authors said.
