Forest running, commonly called trail running, is more than just running. It is also connecting with the outdoors.
Compared to road running, trail running is more fun and adventurous.
Fun because of the beautiful scenery and melodious sounds of nature that embrace you when running, and adventurous because of the rough and hilly terrains that help you step out of your comfort zone.
So, if you’re a road runner tired of pounding pavements, or not a runner but want to add some fun and fitness to your life, trail running is for you.
Here are 7 ways runners are benefiting from running forest and nature trails.
- Strong Body Muscles
Trails are riddled with obstacles like rocks, tree roots, and logs. You must engage your upper and lower body muscles to conquer these hurdles.
With consistency, this practice leads to musculoskeletal health.
A recent study supports this point stating that trails have unique terrains that stimulate muscle strength development, helping runners gain stability and extensive running power.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
We are all grappling with something today either at work, or home. Although some have found ways to deal with the persistent life pressures, others have not.
That frustration starts as basic stress and anxiety, then, if not managed, escalates to depression.
Thankfully, nature is a great stress reliever.
Research has identified increased nature-based physical activity as effective in boosting a person’s mental well-being.
Another study says that even just 20 minutes in natural spaces can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone.
3. Increased Physical and Mental Agility
Agility is the ability to move well (sit and stand quickly and easily).
The ruggedness of the forest’s rough roads trains runners to be alert and swiftly change their body’s position, a technique that builds their physical and mental nimbleness.
A recent National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study discovered that running on trails can increase a person’s leg power, speed and balance.
Another study states that dodging obstacles when running outdoors can improve your reaction time and mental health.
4. A Longer Lifespan
We all want to live longer to fulfill our dreams and spend more time with our loved ones.
However, that depends on our biological age, which relies on our daily routines, i.e., what we eat and our physical activities.
A Science Advances study on epigenetic ageing determined that spending time or living near green spaces can add roughly 2.5 years to a person’s life.
Another study by Harvard Medical School indicated a 12 percent reduction in death among individuals living in areas with high levels of green vegetation.
While we can’t live in forests, setting a day each week to run on them can boost our chances of living longer.
5. Weight Loss
Most of the foods and beverages we consume today are packed with excess calories, which, unfortunately, leads to unwanted weight gain. While we can reduce our calorie intake, it is harder than it sounds.
But here is the good news.
Trail running is an exercise that burns calories fast.
Research confirms that this exercise burns roughly 10 percent more calories than road or track running, making it an excellent weight loss and fitness activity.
6. Increased Bone Strength and Density
Trail running encompasses multi-directional changes in terrain and elevation. These unique elements challenge your bones more than road running, which is usually paved and steady.
Also, running outdoors in the morning helps runners amass sufficient Vitamin D from the sun’s UV rays.
According to research, vitamin D boosts calcium levels in our bodies, which leads to bone health.
7. Increased Endurance
Up hills and down hills of forest paths gradually boost runners’ endurance and aerobic capacity, helping them run smoothly and perform daily chores with minimal effort, Scott Nolan Drum and co-experts.
Conclusion
If you ask me, natural trails are the best gym ever. And they are free, and not to mention easily accessible.
Tap on this article to find natural trails near you that you could use for running.
Now I’d like to hear from you.
Any other points you would like to add to this post on the health benefits of trail running?
Kindly share in the comment below.
Read This Next
5 Features of a Safe Trail Running Route
How to Run Trails Without Tripping and Falling
A Complete Guide to Running in Karura Forest, Nairobi
Annual Trail Running Races in Kenya Supporting a Good Cause
A Trail Running Guide for Beginners: What to Know Before You Start