Running Persuasive Paper

Julia Orlow
Mrs. Steinhoff
Expository Writing\ Hour 6
20 March 2013
The Benefits of Running “Running is a great way to exercise.” This was said by Jensen Orlow who is a college runner at South Dakota State University. Running has always been a very popular form of exercising. Some people run just for the joy of it and other people run for the great benefits that it provides. Given the increase in obesity in Americans over the past forty years, running is the perfect solution. It helps with losing weight and keeping that weight off. Running also helps psychologically and improves a person’s cardio. Running is a great form of exercise because it helps people control their weight, prevents heart attacks and strengthens the cardio system, improves mental fitness, and is enjoyable. Most importantly, the exercise of running helps with weight control. The notable obesity rates in the United States doubled from the 1970’s to 2012 in children and in adults ("Overweight and Obesity in the U.S."). Obesity in America increased drastically over the years. The National Center for Health reported that between 1962 and 2000, the number of obese Americans skyrocketed from 13 to 31 percent. In 2004, the Weight Control Report estimated 3.8 million people over 300 pounds and 40,000 males carry over four hundred pounds ("Obesity Statistics”). And, Most Americans in terrible shape, smoke and drink too much, eat an excess amount of unhealthy food, weigh more than they should, and do not exercise enough. Thomas K. Cureton, a professor at the University of Illinois’ physical fitness laboratory said, ‘“The average American young man has a middle-aged body. He cannot run the length of a city block; he cannot climb a flight of stairs without getting breathless. In his twenties, he has the [lung] capacity that a man is expected to have in his forties.”’ Half of all Americans do not exercise enough to do themselves any good and 50,000,000 Americans never exercise at all (Fixx 4). Also, many people look for good ways to lose weight, and they find running to be a perfect solution; losing weight requires a large amount of energy, and running helps with this. The more energy requirements mean a person’s body can burn greater amounts of calories while running. Although the treadmill proves to be easy replacement in bad weather, it does not burn as many calories as running outside does. The amount of energy a person would spend on the treadmill would not add up as the same as running because the treadmill carries a person’s feet forward, and there is no wind resistance (Wavey). If a person burns more calories off than that person consumed, then that person loses more weight. Most runners can actually burn off about 500 calories in less than one hour of running (Mulrooney).
Most importantly, the calorie burning efficiency of an exercise proves to be a good indicator of potential weight loss, and running beats all the other sports in the category of weight loss. Also, one pound of fat equals 350 calories ("The Benefits of Running And Jogging for Fitness). Research shows that for thirty minutes of running, runners burn 800 to 1,000 calories, and this adds up to only three pounds of fat. Although bicycling seems to add less stress on a person’s joints, cyclists only burn 660 calories which equals only two pounds of fat. And, swimmers lose around 500 calories which is just over one pound of fat. Tennis shows up at near the bottom of the list with only 400 calories which adds up to slightly over one pound of fat burned per thirty minutes of activity (Fixx 40). It only takes thirty minutes of running per day to be physically fit (Landro). To receive the same cardio benefit of running, cyclers bike twice as much. Although swimming proves to be low impact form of exercise, it is also very hard to lose significant weight from this activity ("Swimming Vs. Running for Exercise"). Playing tennis requires an even greater amount of time to burn the same amount of calories as running. Eight hours a week of strictly playing tennis burns at most 2,000 calories. On the other hand, two hours of running, at about ten minute pace per mile, would easily burn over 2,000 calories (Fixx 41).
And, running helps the body because this exercise prevents a heart attack which proves to be another health benefit to running. Most importantly, running helps decrease excess fat, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and increase stamina and endurance. It also greatly improves the performance of the heart, lungs, respiratory and circulatory systems, and in many instances, reverses the effects of coronary disease ("The Benefits of Running And Jogging for Fitness). This greatly helps in the reduction of heart attacks. Dr. Thomas G. Pickering of the New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center, reported that runner’s blood was less thick than that of non-runners. And, blood flows more freely resulting in less blood clots which reduce the likeliness for heart attacks. A study by Dr. Ralph S. Pafenbarger Jr. on heart attacks showed that men and women who exercise regularly prove to be part of the 64 percent less likely to have a heart attack than people who do not exercise regularly. His study also revealed people who ran three to four miles every day, and by running they decreased their risk for a heart attack. Dr. Peter D. Wood of Stanford University also said that a trained runner contains blood with a higher concentration which prevents the risk of cholesterol being stored in arteries which prevents the risk of heart attacks (Fixx 7, 10, 26, 28).
Also, Running develops cardiovascular endurance; one of the single most important indicators to overall health (Landro). Most importantly, to improve a person’s cardio endurance, they challenge their fitness level with regular exercise, like running, that increases in duration as a person adjusts to a certain level of fitness. When a person runs at a regular basis, that person trains their heart and cardiovascular system to process oxygen more efficiently during exercise. In turn, that boosts a person’s physical stamina and endurance for everyday activities as well. Running raises a person’s heart rate and challenges the cardiovascular system to work harder. Running allows people to consume more air than any other form of fitness. A new runner can inhale up to three liters of oxygen per minute and a trained runner six to eight liters of oxygen. A person only needs 30 minutes of running a day, four days a week, to help lose weight, drop blood pressure, and develop a stronger cardiovascular endurance which beats any other form of exercise (Landro).
Physical fitness can also affect a person psychologically by relieving depression. Running releases a feel-good brain chemical such as endorphins. Endorphins, a hormone in the brain, affect the nervous system that affects the physiological level of a human. It can also improve self-esteem, through better body image or achieving goals, and relieve feelings of isolation which can fuel mental illness ("Why Does Running Help Relieve Depression"). The University Of Washington School Of Medicine reveals that17.5 million Americans suffer from mild depression and 9.2 million of those suffer from severe depression. Although depression does have prescription drugs to help prevent it, running proves to be an effective way for those who suffer from depression to reduce their depression symptoms if they do not seek medical treatment ("Does Exercise Prevent Depression").
And, research shows that running helps relieve anxiety and tension, enabling people to deal with stress and everyday pressures. Most importantly, running can help the entire body feel better, not just legs and lungs. It leaves people feeling springy and energetic, having a sense of power to accomplish the day to day worries of life. Polls show that men and women view themselves differently when running daily. This carries over to a healthier lifestyle. And, hundreds of runners start to see that health is their own responsibility. If seriously ill they see a doctor, otherwise they just stay fit (Staff). Many doctors have even begun to prescribe running to their patients instead of medicine. Dr. George A. Sheehan, a New Jersey cardiologist said running is a perfect exercise (Fix 7).
As well as physical benefits, running proves to be a very social sport. Many men and women gather together on the weekends, weeknights, or over a lunch break for a quick run. Roger Eischens, a veteran runner for over fifteen years, said that he made all of his friends from running. Many running communities establish themselves in the United States. From the middle 1960’s to today, millions of people in America include running into their daily lives. A Gallup Poll released in the late 1970’s reported that 11 percent of the adult population named running as their main form of exercise. Currently, there are over 25,000,000 runners, in America alone. The Road Runners Club of America quadrupled their membership in the past five years ("The Benefits of Running And Jogging for Fitness). Many families enjoy running together (Fixx 42). Some find running a solitary time to think and reflect. Running proves to be enjoyable when one runs with people or even by themselves. One can be by themselves and have some alone time and enjoy time by themselves.
Another advantage to running is its competiveness. Runners choose to be either competitive or non-competitive in the sport of running. Men and women can compete against time or other competitors (Arthur 12). Although Tennis’ goal is to out play the opposing player and golfers become so immersed in the game, they can become upset with themselves and their opponents, but running allows men and women to go as fast as they want, running aggressively on some days, and slowing down on other days for a friendly chat (Fixx 41). Running allows the people to talk to each other while other sports eliminate social aspects because they only compete against each other. And, running clubs in Minnesota allow people to come together and run competitively against other people. There are many races that vary in distance like five, eight, and ten kilometer races scheduled all over the country for people to compete in. Many other races like the half marathons, 13.1 miles, and marathons, 26.2 miles, allow very elite long distance runners to compete. One does not even have to compete competitively if that person does not want to. ("Running"). Running is a great way to exercise because it burns a lot of calories, it prevents heart attacks and strengthens cardio endurance, helps psychologically, and it is enjoyable. Running lowers blood pressure and improves circulation in the heart. This is able to prevent deadly heart attacks. Running also strengthens cardio if one runs for a longer period of time. Running helps depression levels go down. Overall, running is enjoyable because it is social and it can be competitive. Running is a great exercise for anyone who wants to lose weight or just to stay healthy.

Works Cited
Arthur, Amchan J. The Slowers Runner 's Guide. 1985. Print.
"Does Exercise Prevent Depression?" LIVESTRONG.COM. Livestrong, 2013. Web. .
Fixx, James F. The Complete Book of Running. New York: Random House, 1977. Print.
Landro, Laura. "The Hidden Benefits of Exercise." WSJ. Wall Street Journal, n.d. Web. 2013. .
Mulrooney, Marie. "A Comparison of Exercise, Running and Walking." Livestrong.com. Livestrong, 2011. Web. .
"Obesity Statistics: Number of Obese Americans Increasing." American Sports Data - Sports Participation Marketing Research. American Sports Data, Inc, 2006. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. .
"Overweight and Obesity in the U.S." FRAC. Food Research and Action Center, 2012. Web. .
"Running." Benefits of Running. Benefits of Exercise. N.p., 2013. Web. .
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Manage Stress." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 July 2012. Web. .
"Swimming Vs. Running for Exercise." LIVESTRONG.COM. Livestrong, 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013. .
"The Benefits of Running And Jogging for Fitness: Fitness and Strength Workouts." Motley Health - Fitness, Strength and Weight Loss. Motley Health, 2006-2009. Web. 22 Nov. 2009. .
Wavey, Davey. "Does Running on a Treadmill Burn More Calories than Outside?" Davey Wavey Fitness. DaveyWaveyFitness, 2013. Web. 07 Mar. 2013. .
"Why Does Running Help Relieve Depression?" BBC News. BBC, 02 Dec. 2008. Web. .\

Final Outline
I. Introduction: Running is a great form of exercise because it helps people control their weight, prevents heart attacks and strengthens the cardio system, improves mental fitness, and is enjoyable.
II. Weight
A. Burn Calories
B. Compared to other sports
III. Body
A. Prevents heart attacks
B. Cardio
IV. Mental
A. Eliminates stress
B. Eliminates depression
V. Enjoyable
A. Competitive
B. Social
VI. Conclusion: Running is a great way to exercise because it burns a lot of calories, it prevents heart attacks and strengthens cardio endurance, helps psychologically, and it is enjoyable.

Cited: Arthur, Amchan J. The Slowers Runner 's Guide. 1985. Print. "Does Exercise Prevent Depression?" LIVESTRONG.COM. Livestrong, 2013. Web. . Fixx, James F. The Complete Book of Running. New York: Random House, 1977. Print. Landro, Laura Mulrooney, Marie. "A Comparison of Exercise, Running and Walking." Livestrong.com. Livestrong, 2011. Web. . "Obesity Statistics: Number of Obese Americans Increasing." American Sports Data - Sports Participation Marketing Research "Overweight and Obesity in the U.S." FRAC. Food Research and Action Center, 2012. Web. . "Running." Benefits of Running "Swimming Vs. Running for Exercise." LIVESTRONG.COM. Livestrong, 2013. Web. 16 Mar. 2013. . "The Benefits of Running And Jogging for Fitness: Fitness and Strength Workouts." Motley Health - Fitness, Strength and Weight Loss. Motley Health, 2006-2009. Web. 22 Nov. 2009. . Wavey, Davey "Why Does Running Help Relieve Depression?" BBC News. BBC, 02 Dec. 2008. Web. . Final Outline