More and more people of different ages are choosing to run, and this form of movement is becoming part of their exercise routine. The most powerful reasons why more and more of us come to love running are related to both the silhouette and the sports shape that running keeps you in, to your health and to the feeling of wellbeing that we get after just a few minutes of running. But why does running become so enjoyable, even though at first it may seem quite tiring? What actually happens in our bodies when we run?

In the first few seconds of running, your muscles start using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - the energy molecule in our cells.

For a few seconds we start to feel energized, strong, thanks to this energy boost that ATP gives to the muscles. However, to obtain this energy molecule, the cell uses glucose, which is stored in the muscles in the form of glycogen (the storage form of glucose). So after about one minute of running, the muscles start to consume these glycogen stores, as well as some of the glucose in the blood, which leads to a slight drop in blood glucose. 

After consuming these "sweet" deposits, the muscles start to turn to the anaerobic form of intracellular energy production, thus starting to produce lactic acid

Responsible for the burning sensation in the muscles and fatigue, as well as muscle fever the next day. To reduce lactic acid levels, the muscle cell needs oxygen, so the cardiovascular system increases its work rate. Brain It directs more blood to the muscles and less to other organs such as the digestive system - here's one reason why you shouldn't start your workout immediately after eating. 

In order to sustain the oxygen needs of the muscles trained in running, breathing will also be intensified, which is why "air thirst" occurs, and the blood in the stores will be removed from the circulation. The organs considered as blood stores (a reserve of blood needed in conditions of muscular stress, hemorrhages, etc.) are considered to be the spleen (located under the ribs on the left side) and the liver (located under the ribs on the right side).

Both the spleen and the liver have a capsular sheath with contractile capacity, so in situations of need these capsules contract and "squeeze" the blood out of the storage organs. At this point, it is possible for less trained people to experience a sharp pain in the abdomen, which takes their breath away and requires them to stop running. This pain quickly disappears with relaxing spleen and liver capsules, respectively. 

As you continue running, your heart rate stabilizes, as does your breathing rate, but the body begins to overheat

To maintain thermoregulation, the sweat glands start to secrete sweat - a reason for dehydration. That's why it's a good idea to drink a sip of water every now and then.

When glycogen is consumed, as well as the percentage of glucose in the blood intended for physical stress, the body begins to mobilize fat from its stores, which it converts into glucose - the "fuel" of the muscle cell. This burns a lot of calories, and those who want to lose weight now get the effects they were after. 

After another few dozen seconds your body starts to secrete endorphins - the happy hormones. This is the moment when the feeling of intense tiredness you felt before begins to fade, replaced by a general feeling of well-being, of joy

It is recommended to run for about 30 minutes every day, and after this time do not suddenly go into rest, but walk for a few more minutes until the body gradually resumes its functions.

Aviatiei Wellness Center