by Suman Gupta
In a world inundated with fitness enthusiasts and health advocates, Yash Birla, a prominent fitness icon and celebrity trainer, stands as a shining example of holistic well-being. Known for his unwavering commitment to nurturing both the body and mind, Birla passionately believes that running is a fundamental pillar of his daily routine. In an exclusive conversation with Zee News (English), he shares the profound benefits of running, its place in a daily exercise regimen, and dispels common myths surrounding this basic yet transformative activity.
The Benefits of Running:
In an exclusive interview with Zee News (English), Yash Birla said running is a versatile and accessible form of exercise that offers a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It serves as a robust foundation for an active lifestyle, contributing significantly to longevity and overall well-being. Here’s a glimpse of the wide-ranging advantages:
- Cardiovascular Health: Running strengthens the heart and enhances lung capacity, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Weight Management: It aids in weight control and muscle toning by engaging various muscle groups simultaneously.
- Bone Health: Running promotes better bone density and overall bone health.
- Mental Well-being: The activity releases endorphins, elevating mood, reducing stress, and countering depression and anxiety.
- Cognitive Function: Running enhances cognitive function and improves sleep quality.
- Immune System: It boosts the immune system, increases energy levels, and supports better respiratory function and metabolism.
- Community Building: Running can be a social activity, fostering a sense of community among participants.
- Time Efficiency: It is a time-efficient exercise that requires minimal equipment, making it accessible to a broad audience.
- Confidence and Accomplishment: Achieving running goals instills confidence and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Including Running in Your Fitness Routine:
Yash Birla recommends a simple approach to include running in your fitness routine. Start with a brief ten to fifteen-minute run as a suitable warm-up. Every five to eight minutes, take a break from your run and perform three bodyweight exercises, targeting each muscle group, as a mini circuit training. Aim for 15 repetitions per muscle group in two sets. This not only complements your running routine but also offers a holistic workout.
Additionally, running burns more calories than it takes to maintain a healthy weight, making it an efficient choice for those looking to shed excess pounds. It can even break through weight training plateaus, helping you achieve your weight loss objectives.
Common Myths About Running and the Facts shared by Yash Birla with Zee News:
Yash Birla dispels a few common myths associated with running, ensuring that these misconceptions do not deter anyone from embracing this transformative activity:
Myth: Walking a mile burns the same calories as running a mile.
Fact: Running burns more energy after a workout due to its high-intensity nature, demanding greater oxygen consumption and thus burning more calories than low-intensity activities like walking.
Myth: Running harms your knees.
Fact: While running places regular strain on your knee joints, research suggests that it may actually reduce the risk of developing knee issues later in life, making it a knee-friendly exercise when practiced responsibly.
Myth: Running barefoot is the best way to run.
Fact: While the benefits of barefoot running have gained attention, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons. Finding a supportive running shoe that fits comfortably and protects your feet is crucial for running safely.
