Running is a simple activity for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
However, it now has bloomed into a global phenomenon embraced by people of all ages and generations.
Some people argue that it is a post-pandemic push for wellness, a new year’s resolution, or just for the trends. This has now become the movement of the moment, taking it slow one stride at a time.
How people started to love running
After pledging their 2025 New Year’s resolutions, several people wanted to try something new or reach a specific set goal.
For some people, according to a Entrepreneur survey, 17% want to exercise more, and 15% aim to lose weight. This includes running and jogging as a form of physical activity.
Apart from the well-recognized social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, there have also been the rise of other social network apps like Strava.
Despite being launched in 2009, Strava only boomed recently with over 130 million users. According to Sensor Tower, the health application Strava had a rapid increase of users of 20% in a year.
Common misconceptions
Due to running being a simple activity, there are many misconceptions surrounding it, preventing aspiring runners from starting their journey. The worse case scenario is these myths can often lead to demotivation and extreme injuries.
Here are the Polar Research Center debunked and identified common myths.
It is not for everyone. People’s bodies are different, where some bodies are just built for running and they can adapt to rigorous activities.
There people with health issues that can hinder them from running as fast, but that doesn’t mean that they cannot run.
Runners do not walk when running. It is assumed that people do not stop to walk during a running session because it is called ‘cheating.’
However, integrating walking workouts while running helps build endurance.
Taking days off will negatively impact health. According to research from the National Institute of Health, 3 weeks of complete bed rest can reduce VO2max levels by 15-25%.
However, people rarely stay in bed daily which can affect one’s progress. Recovery days are just as important as training days to improve overall fitness.
Based on the findings of Running USA’s global running survey from 2022, there are various reasons why runners run and maintain running as an activity. The reasons include Staying in shape (72%), Relieving stress (38%), For enjoyment (33%), Training for a race (26%), and form of socialization (18%).
With this, it can be inferred that most people prioritize health over anything. They learned to love running to keep their body in shape, stay healthy, or lose weight.
But health is not the only reason why people love running. For most people, it’s about socializing and enjoyment formed within the community.
What do experts say?
A 2019 meta-analysis revealed that running can significantly improve one’s cardiovascular health and that high-moderate intensity training programs can reduce blood pressure in 60-year-olds and above.
This physical activity can boost immune support—a direct correlation between exercising and reduced risk of illnesses.
In a health journal from 2021, it states that moving your body can also increase bone density, which can improve bone health and make joints more stable.
Apart from physical fitness, running as a form of exercise can be beneficial in reducing stress and ‘treating depression’ based on a study by Siri Kvam in May 2016.
