The Benefits of Hill Running

Walking up a hill can wear you out, and if you live in a hilly area, it can feel like one big hassle.

However, there are many benefits to running up a hill, too. It can be a healthy way to build strength, lose weight, and keep your body toned. So this article is a celebration of those hilly hikes as we look at the benefits of hill running.

It Improves Your Leg Muscles

When you are running up a hill, you're giving your leg muscles an extra boost. After spending time hill running, you may start noticing just how muscular your legs feel.

It's Good for Your Heart

When you are running up a hill, your cardiovascular system is working more than if you were running on an even plane. This means that your heart health improves. If you want to keep your heart going for a while, hill running is a good route to take.

It Can Improve Your Stride

Strides are short amounts of fast running. For a casual runner, your strides may not be up to snuff. That's where hill running comes in. When you run up hills, you may find that your strides are quicker, and you can run for a lot longer.

It's Good for Soreness

Are your legs sore? Why not go on a little run? As it turns out, that blood flow you get from running, as well as the endorphins your mind releases, may help to reduce soreness in your legs.

You Burn More Calories

When you run up a hill, all your leg muscles work overtime and have to coordinate to go up the hill. Because of all that extra body work, you are going to burn more calories when compared to just running on a normal plane. This can help improve your workouts immensely as a result.

Results Are Quick

Another amazing thing about hill running? Expect results pretty quickly.

With hill running, you can see results in about a month. Many people are turned off from exercising as a result of how long it takes. Running up hills can reduce that wait.

How to Run Up Hills Successfully

Now, let's discuss some ways to run with ease.

Take it Slow

You are not going to run up a mountain in one go. Start with a smaller hill, and don't run at your max speed. You may end up tiring out and feeling beat if you do too much, too fast.

Try an Incline on a Treadmill

If you have access to a treadmill, this may help you better. You can have a more controlled run and be able to test your limits.

Hydrate

Be sure to bring some water on your run, or else you may feel beat faster.

Keep a Rhythm

As you run, be sure to keep a consistent rhythm that is the best for you. If your rhythm is disrupted, it can make climbing up a hill much more complicated.

Reward Yourself Afterwards

If you perform a successful hill run, be sure to reward yourself. Not by eating a bunch of food, but by doing something else you like. Take some relaxing baths or take some beautiful photos from above. You did great, and it's time for you to reward yourself as a result.

Seek Help!

Running up hills, as well as exercising hard in general, is quite beneficial for your mental health. However, many runners may feel as though they are unable to get up to the top on that alone. There are days where you may feel too depressed to run, or you may have social anxiety disorder at a busy, hilly park.

Talking to a therapist may be able to help you when you are feeling this way. Speak to someone, and they can help you climb the hill you call life.