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How Long It Takes to See the Health Benefits of Running

Daniel Rich Galinson
A national account executive for Solutran in Plymouth, Minnesota , Daniel Rich Galinson promotes Healthy Savings, a discount program that helps people purchase nutritious foods at an affordable fee. In his spare time, Daniel Rich Galinson maintains his own health by running.
A vigorous aerobic activity, running can be used as a stress reliever. The Mayo Clinic reports that regular exercise, such as running, can lessen symptoms of depression and improve sleeping patterns. The activity also releases endorphins, a neurotransmitter in the brain that gives people a sense of euphoria. Runners commonly refer to the level of happiness as a “runner’s high.” Up to 20 minutes of running may be required for an individual to achieve this state of happiness.
As part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a person should run for 75 minutes or more per week, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The activity can be combined with moderate cardiovascular exercises, such as swimming or walking. A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity is recommended per week when completed alone. As such, a person should expect to extend the duration of their exercise routine when combining vigorous and moderate levels of aerobic activities.