One of the many reasons why people engage in running or jogging is for health purposes. Either to get physically fit and lose excess weight, or to release stress and tension. Whether the reason is about body image or stress management, running and jogging are both beneficial to a person's well-being.

A person who is into regular jogging or running program is bound to be physically fit. Running burns fat. A person loses more calories per minute in running as compared to other form of cardiovascular exercises.

Running is also beneficial in preventing muscle and bone loss that naturally accompanies old age. Regular daily tasks such as sitting in front of the computer the whole day makes the bones become weaker as compared to running regularly which keeps our skeleton actively getting the demand it needs to stay healthy. Regular, high-intensity exercises have been proven to encourage human growth hormone, keeping our internal anatomy from getting old fast and helping us to look young and vibrant.

The ability to resist illness is another benefit that can be attributed to running or jogging. Amazingly, it reduces the risk of heart stroke and breast cancer that doctors have made it a point to include regular running as treatment option for those patients having early signs of osteoporosis, diabetes, and hypertension. The risk of heart attack is greatly reduced by running which lowers blood pressure and maintains the elasticity of arteries.

Running also aids in raising HDL or good cholesterol, reducing the risk of blood clotting, and promotes 50 percent of lung function that is usually not being used. Also, the immune system gets that needed boost from running by producing a higher concentration of lymphocytes or white blood cells that is crucial in fighting illnesses.

The list of the rewards you can get from running does not end with improved health but extends to psychological benefits as well.

As if the health benefits of having a regular jogging or running program is not enough, there are also mental or psychological advantages and rewards to be reaped from running such as building your self-esteem and self-confidence, stress management, the attitude boost, and the runner's high.

Running allows the person to have a sense of pride, empowerment and freedom due to the knowledge that his or her body is at its best and capable of climbing the uphill or clearing the obstacles on the way. The confidence-building and improved self-image goes hand-in-hand with losing weight.

Running builds confidence like few other individual sports can. It allows the runner to defeat trial after trial, growing stronger and more sure of themselves with each foot strike. It allows you to truly climb hills and clear obstacles. It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable. Confidence is even more a product of running for those who lose weight and gain a better self-image through running. A day's jogging can greatly reduce stress levels and tension.