Running is one of the best ways to improve the mind, body and soul.
It’s also easy.
“You don’t need any equipment and you can do it anywhere,” said Dr Fred Wadsworth, a medical director at Corperformance, which has worked closely with INEOS in the past.
He said the medical profession was finally realising that running was not just about burning calories.
“There are lots of studies now which show that running is as useful as taking anti-depressants for moderate depression,” he said.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that running damages your joints.
“If you are fit and well, it actually protects you from arthritis,” said Fred.
“The problems arise when you have existing injuries. The best thing you can do is make sure you don’t get overweight.”
Fred said running was the best – and quickest – way to get fit.
He went on to praise INEOS’ Go Run For Fun initiative to get Britain’s kids running again.
“It’s a no brainer but governments haven’t set up a campaign like this so it’s down to companies like INEOS to act,” he said.
But he believed the key to its long-term success would be to inspire parents.
“The most powerful influence in a child’s life is what his or her parents do,” he said. “They copy what they see.
“And they are unlikely to get involved if a parent says: ‘What are you doing that for?’”
INEOS is hoping that those, who do get involved, will become keen runners and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
For the long-term benefits of running are now well researched and well documented.
Running gives your heart and lungs a workout, it improves circulation and reduces the risk of a heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.
It also relieves stress, improves endurance, boosts your immune system, increases energy and helps you to maintain a healthy body weight.
Studies have further shown that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don’t, they sleep better and their brains are sharper.
