Jogging is an aerobic exercise, and is said to be the sixth most popular form of exercise in the United States. It strengthens bones, improves cardiovascular health, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Regular jogging benefits our mental and physical health in many ways. These are discussed in detail below. ◾ Builds stamina: Jogging boosts your stamina and makes you feel energetic and rejuvenated throughout the day. It increases your ability to carry out your daily activities. You stop feeling lethargic and procrastinating things, thereby increasing your efficiency. ◾ Reduces weight: Jogging speeds up your metabolism, and helps burn those extra calories in your body. This helps reduce the excess fat and achieve a lean body. Remember it is essential to burn more calories than you consume. ◾ Burns abdominal fat: If you have been trying hard to get rid of abdominal fat, then you should try jogging. Jogging for 30 minutes everyday is an effective way to keep your abdominal muscles firm and reduce the fat around your waist, hip, and abdomen. While jogging will help you lose those extra flabs, you will have to combine it with a low-fat and healthy diet for best results. ◾ Improves appetite: If you have poor appetite, jogging will help improve your appetite. After any form of exercise, you need to repair your muscles and refuel them. The most important tip here, is to eat food that makes you feel full without consuming a large amount of calories. For this you need to choose healthier options - eat a balanced diet comprising fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and high-fiber food to sustain yourself for a longer period of time. Avoid sweets and high-fat food. The workout coupled with a healthy and nutritious diet will do wonders for your body. ◾ Strengthens muscles and bones: Jogging helps improve the strength, firmness, and flexibility of your muscles. It tones the muscles and improves the bone density especially in the spine and hip. This improves the overall flexibility of the body, thus preventing injuries and damage to the bones and muscles. You could also try a combination of intermittent jogging and stair climbing for strengthening the bones. Regular jogging can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and cracked bones later in life. However, if you already have weak bones, you need to take the advise of your doctor before you begin this form of exercise. Also, those who are new to exercising or haven't exercised for a while, should consult their doctor before starting high-impact exercises like jogging. ◾ Fights insomnia: Besides keeping you in good shape, jogging also helps to fight insomnia and sleep disorders. It relieves you from tension and helps you relax. If you jog regularly, it will help you get a sound and undisturbed sleep in the night. ◾ Prevents signs of aging: People who are 40 or above can engage in regular physical activities like jogging to keep them active. Apart from helping you lose weight and strengthening the bones and muscles, it regulates your metabolism and energy levels. As a result you feel young and healthy. ◾ Prevents infections and diseases: Jogging boosts up the immune system and stimulates the production of white blood cells and the cells that fight against bacteria in the body. According to studies, it is an excellent way to fight infections and prevent or reduce the risk of many diseases like, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and stroke. ◾ Improves heart health: Regular jogging strengthens the heart and minimizes heart attacks. It lowers your blood pressure and triglyceride levels, raises your HDL, and leads to improved oxygen intake. ◾ Builds confidence: When you begin to jog, start slowly, but try to develop gradually. Then continue to do it on a regular basis. Explore your body, set achievable targets for you, and try to reach your goals. This will help you overcome every obstacle and tremendously raise your confidence level. Not to mention the unwanted pounds that you will lose, will boost your self-esteem and improve your general health. ◾ Develops a positive attitude: When you do any physical exercise, your body releases endorphins which creates a sense of euphoria and triggers a positive feeling in the body. It relieves you of the stress and fatigue and makes you feel happy and relaxed. It elevates your mood, makes you feel great, thus developing a positive attitude. ◾ Cures depression and mood disorders: In today's competitive world, work pressure, financial problems, and other issues can cause considerable amount of stress and anxiety which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Physical exercise is the best way to relieve depression. Jogging for 20-30 minutes in the morning is a great way to start your day afresh. Besides being physically active, jogging improves blood circulation, refreshes your mind, and uplifts your mood. It will improve the quality of your life by helping you deal with stress and depression with a positive frame of mind. ◾ Improves focus and concentration: Aerobic exercises like jogging improves the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the brain, which stimulates the brain and helps it to function better. This sharpens the mind, improves focus, betters memory and learning, and develops mental toughness.

Here are a few tips to help you get started. ◾ If you are new to exercising or have been sedentary for long, consult your doctor before you begin any workout program. It is very important to know your body before you get started. ◾ After that, choose the right footwear. Your shoes should be lightweight and well-cushioned to provide you adequate support and comfort. ◾ Your jogging attire should be loose and comfortable. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes. ◾ Stretch and warm-up a little before any workout. This will help prevent injuries. You can start slowly and gradually pick up pace once you are comfortable. ◾ Choose a time that suits you. You can go for a jog at any time of the day. The most important thing is not to skip it. You are more likely to stick to the routine if you do it in the morning. ◾ Listen to music or take a friend along to keep you motivated. ◾ Do not give up or get discouraged if you fail to see the results. Have patience and understand that your body will take time to adjust to the new routine. Have fun and enjoy! Research has shown that if you jog in the morning, you are more likely to continue and stick to your schedule. You will feel energetic and enthusiastic, and look forward to your jogs everyday. So, if you have been wanting to kick-start your exercise regime, and are somehow not able to do it, begin today! Just buy yourself a comfortable and a nice pair of running shoes, stretch a little, and get going. Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only. Always consult a physician before starting any physical fitness program in order to reduce the risk of injury.