Staying active in nature is a great way to maintain physical fitness. Outdoor activities like trail running can also provide significant mental and emotional benefits, while enabling people to stay fit and active. As Steven Rindner mentions that trail running is a widely popular activity that engages the body, helps clear the mind, and promotes overall wellness.
Steven Rindner highlights a few physical and mental benefits of trail running
Trail running taps into something that road running does not, which is a sense of adventure that comes from rambling through the woods, navigating rocks and roots in the trail, surrounded by nature in all her glory. It appeals to an innate need for adventure that many people crave. There are many physical and mental benefits of trail running, including:
Cardiovascular stamina: Trail running provides a boost to cardiovascular endurance. The more one runs, the more enduring shall their body become.
Dynamic core and leg muscle strength: Every trail running session promotes muscular growth. The soft, forgiving surfaces of the trails, which are at times riddled with obstacles like roots or rocks, would require runners to engage their core muscles for stability. Every step they take shall work to tighten and strengthen the core.
Lighter the joints: The terrain runners face on the trail is likely to be more forgiving than tarmac, which means that there would be lesser strain on their joints and ligaments. Hence, trail running would be a good idea for middle-aged runners.
Improves balance: Stable ankles, a strong lower body and a solid core are key to good balance. Fortunately, trail running can help in all three regards. Running on uneven and unpredictable surfaces shall work the core, strengthen the legs, as well as challenge the feet and ankles to build a solid base for balance and stability.
Endorphin rush: One of the prime psychological advantages of trail running comes in the form of an endorphin rush. These neurotransmitters are released by the brain during and after exercise, and stimulate the central nervous system, thereby eliminating stress and fatigue, and providing a sense of euphoria.
Elevated self-esteem: Staying committed to trail running can help boost one’s self esteem. This confidence boost comes from the visible progress in performance and fitness levels.
Motivation and endurance: Hitting the trail consistently requires motivation, and running faster and further takes mental strength. As the body gradually becomes more enduring, so will the mind. Over time, trail runners may develop a steely determination, which would help them to stay persistent in whatever they do in life.
Escapism: Being close to the nature provides people with a much-needed escape from the strains and stress of daily life. The tranquility and peace on the trail can help runners to clear their mind, and provide them with time for personal thought and reflection. This, in turn, may bring more clarity to life off the trail.
Trail running can also be used as a great cross training activity for a cyclist or swimmer. As Steven Rindner says, while trail running is very adventurous, one must not forget to prioritize recovery after a hard session.
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