It is no secret that running is a great way to stay healthy, but did you know that runners are also hospitalized less often than non-runners? According to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, runners have a 25% lower risk of hospitalization due to any cause than non-runners. But why is this the case? What secrets do runners have that can help us stay healthy and out of the hospital?.

1. They prioritize rest and recovery

One of the most important secrets of runners is that they understand the importance of rest and recovery.

Running is a high-impact activity that can put a lot of strain on the body, which is why it is crucial to give your body time to rest and recover between runs. Runners make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and take rest days to allow their body to heal and get stronger.

2. They pay attention to their body

Another secret of runners is that they are in tune with their body. They pay attention to how they feel during and after their runs and adjust their training accordingly.

If they feel pain or discomfort, they will take a break or reduce their mileage to avoid injury. This helps them stay healthy and prevents them from needing to go to the hospital due to injuries.

3. They have a consistent exercise routine

Runners also have a consistent exercise routine, which helps keep them healthy and prevents illnesses. Regular exercise has been shown to boost the immune system, making it harder for viruses and bacteria to take hold in the body.

By sticking to a routine and making exercise a priority, runners are able to stay healthy and avoid hospitalization due to illnesses.

4. They maintain a healthy weight

Many runners also maintain a healthy weight, which can help prevent a wide range of health problems. Obesity is a major risk factor for many illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

By staying at a healthy weight, runners reduce their risk of developing these illnesses and avoid hospitalization as a result.

5. They don’t smoke

Another secret of runners is that many of them don’t smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for many illnesses, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

By avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, runners reduce their risk of developing these illnesses and avoid hospitalization as a result.

Research has also shown that having a strong social network is associated with better health outcomes. Many runners belong to running clubs or have running partners, which helps them stay motivated and accountable.

This social support can help runners stay healthy and avoid hospitalization due to mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

7. They have a positive attitude

Finally, runners also tend to have a positive attitude, which can help them avoid hospitalization. Studies have shown that having a positive attitude can boost the immune system and reduce stress, both of which can help prevent illnesses.

By maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on the benefits of their running routine, runners are able to stay healthy and avoid hospitalization due to illnesses or injuries.

Conclusion

Overall, runners have a lot of secrets that can help us stay healthy and avoid hospitalization.

By prioritizing rest and recovery, paying attention to their body, maintaining a consistent exercise routine, and more, runners are able to stay healthy and avoid many of the illnesses and injuries that can lead to hospitalization. By adopting some of these habits ourselves, we can work towards achieving the same level of health and wellness as runners and reduce our risk of hospitalization as a result.