I came across this question the other day while researching the health benefits of running. The writer wondered if running could be considered a full body workout. Although I do incorporate other activities into my training program, running remains the foundation workout that I know I can always count on to help me stay fit and healthy. How does it deliver such amazing results?

First, running is great cardiovascular exercise that strengthens your heart and lungs. You can challenge your cardiovascular system by running at different levels of exertion. For instance, running slowly over longer distances at a low level of exertion will strengthen your heart and lungs much differently than performing short intense intervals.

Next, running works virtually every muscle in the body. The muscles which are primarily engaged when running are in the legs. It works the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves directly and also brings in the gluteus and hip flexors. By varying your running posture to run more on your forefoot, you can work your calves harder. By running uphill, you can strengthen your quadriceps.

Muscles are made up of slow twitch and fast twitch muscle fibers. Slow twitch muscle fibers are used when running slowly while fast twitch fibers are used primarily during speedwork. By incorporating both long slow runs and intervals into your running program, you can effectively train both types of muscle fibers throughout your body.

Your core muscles (abdominals, & back) will receive training while running and you can further enhance how much your core is engaged by running trails. With its constantly changing terrain and hills, trail running forces you to strengthen your core. Leaping over rocks, roots and other obstacles challenges your balance and will engage your core muscles.

Your arm, shoulder and neck muscles also receive training while running. Pumping your arms involves the biceps, triceps and shoulder & neck muscles and tones and strengthens them. When running intervals and during hill training, you should pump your arms in time with your running. It not only helps develop these muscles, but makes you a more efficient runner.

So you see, running really is an effective whole body workout. It challenges every muscle in the body while engaging the cardiovascular system. When life gets in the way of your other plans to exercise, remember that you can always lace up your runners and enjoy a great whole body workout.