A lot of people want to improve their overall physique, but only very few are successful in doing so. Going to the gym might seem like a good option, but not everyone likes to sweat inside an enclosed area, pay for expensive memberships, and rely on equipment for their workouts. If you share the same sentiment, these benefits of trail running might be your ticket to a better physique.
In its simplest sense, trail running is a sports activity that’ll require you to run at the heart of nature. Trail running combines several outdoor activities, such as running, trekking, and hiking. This activity also includes ascents and descents – different types of terrains will demand different physical efforts from you.
Here’s how trail running can benefit your overall physique:
Improve Endurance
Using a stationary bike or running on a treadmill for hours might cause you to sweat, but working out on a stable surface isn’t challenging at all. This equipment might help you achieve your fitness goals faster, but none of these can actually challenge your practical endurance.
It’s never the same in trail running. Because you’ll be working out in different terrains, this activity can be an effective platform for you to improve your practical endurance and exhaust muscle groups you didn’t know you had in the first place.
The idea of not knowing what kind of terrain you’ll step on next might be intimidating, but taking on this challenge will surely boost your endurance.
Increase Leg Strength
There are a lot of reasons why you should work out your legs. Aside from allowing you to run and walk, regularly working out your legs can also result in a balanced body, better power production, and improved muscle growth.
Trail running is one of the best ways to improve leg strength. Every terrain you’ll traverse will push your leg muscles on different levels. The more diverse your leg workouts are, the faster you’ll see results from your efforts.
The strength and size of your leg muscles can significantly improve through trail running as this activity will include incline and decline running. Not to mention the jumps you’ll have to make in order to conquer rocks and other natural obstacles.
Utilize Arms And Hands
You need a full-body workout to improve your overall physique. Limiting your workouts to specific muscle groups can result in an uneven physique. Imagine yourself having well-toned legs but flabby arms or a slim figure with excessive belly fat.
When you choose to incorporate trail running into your lifestyle, you don’t have to worry about having an uneven physique. Aside from toning your lower body, this activity will also require strength from your arms and hands.
Your arms and hands play a vital role when you’re traversing uphill terrains or going downhill. A powerful grip is necessary for you to maintain your balance when trail running. How else can you grab onto rocks or branches if your arms and hands are too weak? How can you use your poles in steep terrains if your arms and hands can’t maintain proper grip?
Trail running can improve your upper body strength, making this sport one of the most enjoyable full-body workouts.
Burn More Calories
According to the World Health Organization, over 2 billion adults in the world are obese. Over time, obesity can trigger the development of severe illnesses and diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. If you’re looking for an activity that can help you lose weight in the fastest way possible, trail running is an excellent option.
As mentioned, trail running breaks the monotony since you can never predict the terrain you’re going to traverse or the amount of effort these terrains will require from your body. This unpredictability can help you burn more calories as you’ll be pushing your body to exert more effort to successfully take on mixed terrains.
Better For Your Lungs
As the number of business establishments and factories are increasing, expect that pollution will also worsen. It’ll be hard for you to enjoy fresh air if you’re currently living in a city or country that operates as a business hub.
If you want to give your lungs a break from inhaling harmful chemicals, schedule a trail run as soon as possible. Trail running can benefit your lungs as this activity can be the perfect excuse for you to enjoy the great outdoors and inhale fresh air.
Fresh air can improve the cleaning mechanism of your lungs and keep your body safe from airborne toxins. By inhaling and exhaling fresh air, you’ll be able to release harmful toxins that can damage your organs and systems.
Slow And Steady
If trail running is something that’s up to your alley, start on the right foot (pun intended) by taking things slow. If you don’t have any experience in this physical activity, it’s best if you start with simple terrains first and gradually challenge yourself by taking tougher terrains.
Starting slow allows your body to adjust to the demands of trail running, prevent injuries, and maximize the benefits of this activity.
