5k's Inspire Hope and Positivity

 

There are many, many benefits to physical exercise. You can tone your legs, burn some fat and build some muscle, all of which are benefits to your body. The best part of exercise, though, is its psychological benefits. Exercise gets the body working to naturally reduce anxiety and depression, and running can be a great way to get the most out of these benefits. Why not help someone in need in the process? To profit yourself and humanity, it may be a good idea to participate in a charity 5k run.

 
www.dexterannarborrun.com

Ohio University loves holding 5k running events that seem to attract everyone and anyone from far and wide. There is the yearly Relay for Life 5k run, multiple philanthropy runs by Greek Life and the occasional charitable foundation, such as the recent Empower Campaign 5k, held on October 10, 2009. This run proved to be a great success with many participants able to raise money for vulnerable children in Uganda. There is another 5k coming up tomorrow, October 24, being held at the Ping Center and sponsored by Campus Recreation. There is no better time to begin your physical and mental health transition and help others at the same time.

The most obvious psychological advantage to running is the release of hormones, including the ever-so-famous endorphins. These happy hormones release into your body through physical exercise and make you happier. Exercise conducted over a long period of time can help balance depression and anxiety symptoms in sufferers.

Another amazing benefit would be the fact that exercise can help create new brain cells in the hippocampus area of the brain, where we store and recall memories. This helps improve “fluid intelligence,” intelligence that requires no previous knowledge, and can lead to an improved IQ. This will no doubt create a better, more positive image of yourself and influence some much-needed self love.

The Ping 5k, presented during parent’s weekend, begins at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow morning with registration beginning at 8 a.m. There are a few things to prepare for when running a 5k, so if you are not in the best of shape, try walking for the cause instead and work your way up to running for the next 5k held in Athens. I guarantee you’ll be feeling good, both inside and out.