Ronald Ecker is a general practitioner and sports doctor in Marchtrenk, an enthusiastic runner – and of course also at the start of the Linz Marathon. He trains three times a week, and for beginners he calls two running sessions a “good basis” to build on. The benefits of regular exercise are enormous. “Running is the most natural form of exercise and is in our genes. It is a perfect counterpoint to the comfortable lifestyle that is responsible for most diseases of civilization. Anyone who jogs regularly practically simply runs away from these diseases,” says Ecker, naming them five biggest benefits of running:
- Running strengthens the heart: When you run, your heart muscle has to work harder and it becomes fitter and stronger. “This also reduces the risk of a heart attack,” says Ronald Ecker.
- Running trains the immune system: Especially when you’re out and about in wind and weather: “If you do outdoor sports regularly, you won’t be blown away by every blow.”
- Running helps you lose weight: Running is a full-body workout that stimulates your metabolism. “This can help you lose weight – even if diet obviously plays a central role here,” says Ronald Ecker. What is certain is that running shapes the body, which of course has an overall effect on attractiveness.
- Running puts you in a good mood: Numerous studies have long since proven that sporting activities significantly improve your mood – this is especially true for running. “Exercise also helps to reduce stress and, according to research, can even prevent depression,” explains sports doctor Ronald Ecker.
- Running is good for the brain: Running clears your head and creates space for new ideas and perspectives. Many athletes know this. Jogging is considered a “fountain of youth” – also for the brain. Research shows that exercise can improve mental performance, which in turn could reduce the risk of dementia.
Image gallery: 10 good reasons to go running
Running for good reasons (Photo: (Volker Weihbold)) Bild 1/11
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Perfect start to your running career
Hobby runner Stefanie Grubinger knows how good it is to do laps regularly. This is exactly what the 35-year-old from Ottensheim, who works in the office at Generali Versicherung, now wants to convey to her colleagues. That’s why she founded an in-house running club – and it starts with the five-kilometer distance at the Linz Marathon on April 7th. “It’s definitely going to be really great. If we start with such a great running festival, it will certainly motivate everyone to keep going,” says Stefanie Grubinger.
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Register quickly
The 22nd Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon has nine competitions to offer this year and, in addition to the classic 42.195 kilometer distance, there is also, for the first time, the five kilometer variant. The last entry deadline is Friday, March 15th. After that, late registrations are only possible on the event weekend. All information on linzmarathon.at
Valerie Hader
