Multiple studies show that slow running is surprisingly good for your health

Running often brings to mind a frantic race, accompanied by perspiration and breathlessness, sometimes even tears. But it's perfectly possible to slow down the pace. According to a number of scientific studies, running slowly has numerous benefits for physical and mental health.

Better cardiovascular health

By slowing down during your running session, you work your heart muscle without subjecting it to extreme stress. According to Professor Dan Gordon, a physiologist at Anglia Ruskin University, this type of moderate effort reduces resting blood pressure and strengthens the heart at the same time. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to be out of breath or exert yourself too much to improve your cardiovascular health. Running gently is enough to keep you fit.

A feeling of well-being

Slow running is also good for your mind and mental health. This is because it stimulates the production of endorphins, the happiness hormone. The slower pace even makes it possible to turn running into a social activity, as you can run in a group and chat along the way if you wish. Each session becomes more fulfilling, more convivial and more motivating. 

Reducing the risk of injury

Intensive exercise increases the risk of injury, especially for beginners. Slow running, on the other hand, reduces the stress on muscles and joints. It limits metabolic fatigue and preserves the body throughout training, and even afterwards. The result: recovery is quicker and endurance gradually improves over time.

Longer life expectancy

Moderation is proving to be the secret to staying healthy for longer. A study published in 2015 by Sciences Focus revealed that joggers who run at a slow or moderate pace have a lower mortality rate than those who don't run at all and those who run intensively. In other words, running slowly could extend your lifespan.

To reap the full benefits of running at a slow pace, it's essential to change your perspective. The idea that intensity alone brings results is wrong. There's no need to push your body to extremes if your aim is to look after your health. Slowing down makes exercise more enjoyable, less stressful and just as effective. 

So stop putting yourself under pressure to run like Olympic champions! Your body will thank you by adopting a moderate pace for your next running sessions.