{"id":10151,"date":"2022-09-07T09:35:30","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T16:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=10151"},"modified":"2026-04-14T08:33:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T15:33:39","slug":"benefits-of-jogging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/benefits-of-jogging\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven Benefits of Jogging"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Seven-Benefits-of-Jogging.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10156\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Seven-Benefits-of-Jogging.jpg\" alt=\"woman jogging in park\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Seven-Benefits-of-Jogging.jpg 512w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Seven-Benefits-of-Jogging-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re cozy in your bed, motivating yourself to lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement for a morning jog can feel challenging. But once you feel the fresh air and hit your stride, there\u2019s nothing quite like it.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the pleasure of moving your body, there are medicable, social, and financial benefits of jogging. Whether you\u2019re a jogging pro looking for some extra motivation or you\u2019re considering taking up jogging for the first time, knowing some of the primary perks of jogging regularly can help you decide if it\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n<h2>#1 Accessible Exercise<\/h2>\n<p>There are plenty of fun ways to exercise (Zumba, anyone?), but many of them require a class, a team, or expensive equipment. With jogging, you only need a pair of supportive running shoes and a decent area to run, making it one of the most accessible forms of exercise.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve never tried jogging before, you can also download one of several apps designed to help you safely and effectively work up to a full run.<\/p>\n<p>For an even simpler option, you can rotate walking, brisk walking, and jogging for parts of the workout. Over time, you should slowly be able to jog for longer and longer lengths of time until you finally jog the whole time.<\/p>\n<h3>Different Surfaces for Different Folks<\/h3>\n<p>Another reason why jogging is such an accessible form of physical exercise is that you can do it practically anywhere. You can jog in several different locations (such as the ones we\u2019ve outlined below) depending on the type of run you\u2019re looking for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Trail <\/b>\u2013 Jogging regularly on park trails can give you some beautiful scenery to take in as you move, along with providing plenty of peaceful areas to stop and stretch as you go. Park trails are often made of softer, more varied surfaces like finely crushed rock. These trails can be easier on your joints than a paved route because the surfaces typically provide more give when you land.<sup>1<\/sup><\/li>\n<li><b>Sidewalk or roads<\/b> \u2013 In addition to being convenient, the smoothly paved surfaces in your neighborhood can help you avoid risks like ankle sprains and other acute injuries that can come from regular running on more uneven surfaces.<sup>1<\/sup><\/li>\n<li><b>Track <\/b>\u2013 A public all-weather, rubberized track can let you enjoy the benefits of a softer running surface (gentle on your joints) <i>and<\/i> a smooth one (fewer tripping hazards).<\/li>\n<li><b>Treadmill <\/b>\u2013 If you usually exercise at a gym, saving some time for the treadmill can help you incorporate jogging\u2014and its many benefits\u2014into your current workout routine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can customize your jogging session to fit your age, fitness level, and health goals. You can vary your speed, duration, your technique, and even where you run until you find a combination that fits your preferred workout style.<\/p>\n<h2>#2 Improved Cardio Health<\/h2>\n<p>Aerobic exercise involves swift, sustained movement that temporarily elevates your heart rate. While you\u2019ll find plenty of aerobic exercise options out there, one of our favorite options is jogging.<\/p>\n<p>Regular aerobic exercise can help:<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lower your blood pressure<\/li>\n<li>Lower your heart rate<\/li>\n<li>Improve how well your heart pumps<\/li>\n<li>Reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes<\/li>\n<li>For those who already live with diabetes, it can help control your blood glucose level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Doctors typically recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week.<sup>2<\/sup> If you\u2019re planning on using jogging for your aerobic exercise, you can meet that recommended goal with a few longer runs or a series of shorter jogs peppered throughout the week.<\/p>\n<h2>#3 Stronger Muscles<\/h2>\n<p>Jogging can help strengthen your leg and calf muscles since it\u2019s a weight-bearing exercise\u2014in this case, the weight of your body.<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>To add more opportunities to build strength or improve weight loss, you can try inserting some additional strength-building exercises into your jogging routine.<sup>4<\/sup> For example, when you come to a stopping point in your run, you can try one or more of the following exercises:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Squats<\/li>\n<li>Lunges<\/li>\n<li>Standing side crunches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While strength training exercise is healthy for everyone, it can prove especially important for older adults to help promote long-term health.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/active-sneakers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10096 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Active-Sneakers-CTA.jpg\" alt=\"shop-active-shoes-for-women\" width=\"512\" height=\"171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Active-Sneakers-CTA.jpg 512w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Active-Sneakers-CTA-300x100.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><\/h2>\n<h2>#4 Healthier Weight<\/h2>\n<p>Repeatedly gaining and losing weight can lead to health problems like an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and even death. Combining a healthy, nutritious, and filling diet with a regular exercise routine you enjoy can help you maintain a steady, healthy weight\u2014<i>and<\/i> avoid the health risks of so-called yo-yo dieting. <sup>5<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>For most of us, our metabolism begins to slow down starting in our mid-twenties.<sup>5<\/sup> Since we don\u2019t typically burn as many calories as we used to, a regular exercise routine like jogging can become an especially important part of maintaining a steady, healthy weight.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s easier to stick with a physical exercise regimen you genuinely enjoy, so try to find ways to make jogging feel rewarding for you.<\/p>\n<p>You can try:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Jogging with a friend to stay accountable and keep each other company<\/li>\n<li>Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while you run<\/li>\n<li>Picking a route you find interesting or beautiful<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It can also help to invest in supportive clothes and shoes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/orthotics.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">arch support inserts<\/a> that make working out more comfortable for you. A lightweight raincoat for runners can make it easier to keep up your routine in the winter, just like high-quality sneakers with a well-built tread pattern can help reduce your risk of slipping.<\/p>\n<h2>#5 Improved Mental Health<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jogger-resting.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10157\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jogger-resting.jpg\" alt=\"jogger resting\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jogger-resting.jpg 512w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/jogger-resting-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We tend to focus on the physical benefits of exercise, but jogging also comes with promising mental health benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Regular jogging can help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Keep your mind sharp<\/b> \u2013 Some studies suggest a long-term running practice can help keep your mind sharper as you age.<sup>4<\/sup><\/li>\n<li><b>Reduce depression and anxiety symptoms<\/b> \u2013 Exercising for thirty minutes or more three to five times a week can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise activities like jogging can release endorphins which improve your mood. Jogging can also give you something to focus on and take your mind off unhelpful thought patterns. Lastly, regular exercise can help you gain a new skill and meet new goals, which can, in turn, help to boost your confidence.<sup>6<\/sup><\/li>\n<li><b>Expose yourself to nature <\/b>\u2013 Spending time in nature\u2014even urban nature, like a tree-lined street or your local park\u2014can help boost your mood. Unfortunately, many Americans spend most of their day sitting in front of screens.<sup>7<\/sup> Choosing a physical activity like jogging that you can do outside can help you spend more time outdoors, giving yourself a nice mental health boost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When combined with other forms of mental health care like therapy, medication, and a strong support system, jogging can give people one more tool to support their mental well-being and get the most out of life.<\/p>\n<h2>#6 Socialization Opportunities<\/h2>\n<p>Some runners love jogging because they can enjoy an extended period of blissful solitude. But other runners crave the opportunities jogging provides to socialize and participate in the jogging community.<\/p>\n<p>Joggers who want a more social experience can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Jog with a friend<\/li>\n<li>Join a local running group<\/li>\n<li>Sign up for a local road or trail race<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Training for a race can also give you a goal to work toward\u2014and a deadline to help keep you focused and motivated. While some races are only open to runners at a certain level, other races welcome anyone who signs up. Whether you\u2019re 27 or 87, there\u2019s something thrilling about crossing that finish line and knowing you <i>did it<\/i>.<\/p>\n<h2>#7 Shoes Designed to Support You at Every Age\u2014and on Every Surface<\/h2>\n<p>The humble running sneaker has come a long way in the last fifty years. Runners today have a wealth of options regarding supportive footwear, which can make jogging regularly more comfortable\u2014and beneficial\u2014than ever before.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on your physical needs and where you plan on running, you might want to consider these traits when choosing a shoe:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Lightweight stability <\/b>\u2013For a sneaker that balances strength, stability, and support, try the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Miles Active Sneaker<\/a>. It also features lightweight mesh to keep your feet comfortable and cool throughout your workout.<\/li>\n<li><b>Slip-resistant<\/b> \u2013 Whenever possible, we recommend avoiding exercising on a slick surface. Still, if you live in an area where an impromptu rain storm can turn surfaces into a slip-and-slide, you might want a slip-resistant sneaker, like the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Kiara Pro Sneaker<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Waterproof <\/b>\u2013 If you live in an area where rain can soak your feet and deter you from braving the elements, you might want a waterproof style like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zanny Sneaker<\/a>, which uses Three-Zone Comfort technology to keep your feet feeling amazing <i>and<\/i> dry.<\/li>\n<li><b>Cross-training potential<\/b> \u2013 There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/4-benefits-of-cross-training\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">benefits of cross-training<\/a>. However, if you plan on adding strength training exercises to your workouts, we recommend looking for a sneaker that offers extra lateral stability. That way, you have more support for those side-to-side and cross-body movements. For that, we suggest the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fearless Sneaker<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Hybrid wear<\/b> \u2013 If you want a shoe that can double as a workout shoe <i>and <\/i>an everyday sneaker, you may want an active\/casual hybrid sneaker, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bradey Sneaker<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ultimately, every runner has different needs. Talking to a knowledgeable salesperson can help you find the best running shoe.<\/p>\n<h2>Hit the Trail with Vionic Shoes<\/h2>\n<p>In 1979, an Australian surfer and podiatrist, Dr. Phillip Vasili created orthotic inserts using surfboard molding techniques, revolutionizing the shoe industry. Today, <a href=\"https:\/\/vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vionic<\/a> continues to use revolutionary technology, premium materials, and expert construction to create stylish <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/men\/active-and-sneakers\/active-sneakers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">walking shoes for men<\/a> and women, each aiming to fit your lifestyle <i>and <\/i>workout routine.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re running errands, running the world, or running your favorite forest trail, at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vionic<\/a>, we believe healthy feet make for a better day.<\/p>\n<p><b>Sources:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Jhung, Lisa. &#8220;Why Trail Running Is Good for You.&#8221; Runners World. 14 June, 2013.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.runnersworld.com\/trail-running\/a20847408\/why-trail-running-is-good-for-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.runnersworld.com\/trail-running\/a20847408\/why-trail-running-is-good-for-you\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;3 Kinds of Exercise That Boost Heart Health.&#8221; Johns Hopkins Medicine.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/3-kinds-of-exercise-that-boost-heart-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/3-kinds-of-exercise-that-boost-heart-health<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Running and jogging &#8211; health benefits.&#8221; Better health.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/running-and-jogging-health-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/running-and-jogging-health-benefits<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8221; Is Running Safe for Older Adults?&#8221; Silver Sneakers.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.silversneakers.com\/blog\/running-seniors-try-jogging-older-years\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.silversneakers.com\/blog\/running-seniors-try-jogging-older-years\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Yo-Yo Dieting May Pose Serious Risks For Heart Patients.&#8221; NPR. 1 May, 2017. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2017\/05\/01\/526048767\/-yo-yo-dieting-poses-serious-risks-for-heart-patients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2017\/05\/01\/526048767\/-yo-yo-dieting-poses-serious-risks-for-heart-patients<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms.&#8221; Mayo Clinic.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/depression\/in-depth\/depression-and-exercise\/art-20046495\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/depression\/in-depth\/depression-and-exercise\/art-20046495<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;Nurtured by nature.&#8221; APA. 1 April, 2020. <a style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2020\/04\/nurtured-nature\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2020\/04\/nurtured-nature<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a class=\"more-link\" id=\"excerpt\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/benefits-of-jogging\/\">Read More &gt;<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":10156,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2607],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10151","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness","dwtl normal"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Seven-Benefits-of-Jogging.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10151","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10151"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10151\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13493,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10151\/revisions\/13493"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10156"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10151"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10151"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10151"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}