How could the health benefits of jogging possibly change your life? That seems like an awfully strong statement, but many people who start jogging do find that in a very short period of time they are living a completely different lifestyle. It starts with a bit of weight loss and definition in muscle and before long you are eating food to fuel your runs, rather than to gratify your taste buds.

Catching the jogging bug could change your goals and your entire life in so many little ways....

#1: A well-defined, toned body.

Who doesn't want the runner's body? Jogging will help reduce the amount of stored fat throughout your body while increasing your lean muscle mass and creating definition in your lower body and core. Joggers who get out there on a consistent basis usually have nice abs and very shapely legs.

If you add in some strength training for your upper body you could have a body that turns heads at the beach or even when fully clothed! There are great health benefits to a trim body with adequate lean muscle, such as a faster metabolism that will continually burn more calories so you keep that figure long term. You’ll also enjoy less back pain when lose the weight and strengthen your core muscles.

#2: Strong, flexible muscles that support every motion your body makes.

When you strengthen your muscles and allow them to grow, you are less likely to be injured in daily life. Picking that screaming toddler up from the floor or chasing the dog down the street won't feel as strenuous as it may feel right now and your muscles will be much stronger to handle the movement efficiently. The result is fewer injuries with less aches and pains.

#3: A source of instantaneous stress relief to help lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety.

Jogging is one of the best ways to relieve mental stress and the physical tension that builds up in your shoulders, neck, and back. Whether you are jogging on the treadmill or outdoors, you will feel instant release of physical tension and will notice that you are better able to handle stress after a good jog.

You can also spend the time while jogging thinking through problems. Some people find they are rather creative and get some of their best ideas while out on the track or lost in the woods. This is a great time to reconnect with yourself and reflect on your day.

Similarly, jogging has proven to ease depression and anxiety. You’re less likely to feel blue when you’ve got a goal to work toward like losing weight or strengthening your muscles. As you see progress you’ll feel more empowered and self-confident.

#4: Drastically lower risk of disease and illness.

All of the above health benefits of jogging contribute to this one. As your body fat lowers, your muscle increases, and you live a less stressful daily life, you will be drastically lowering your risks of developing serious diseases like cancer and heart disease. You will also find that you don't get sick as easily during cold season and recover much faster when a bug does get you down.

These are perhaps the best health benefits of jogging, since it means you will live longer and be much healthier while you are alive.

#5: Relief of digestive problems such as bloating and constipation.

If you suffer from bloating or always find yourself struggling with bowel movements, jogging will help ease these issues to a large degree. If you start eating more high-fiber foods to fuel your jogs, you will be correcting your bowel problems in the process.

When you take all of those health benefits of jogging together, it should be much easier to see how adding a bit of jogging into your life could change the way you live!