HEALTH AND WELLBEING: Get running with Couch to 5k

But did you know that regular running can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type two diabetes and stroke, boost your mood and keep your weight under control?

The NHS Couch to 5K plan is designed to get you off the couch and gradually work you up to running 5K or for half an hour, in just nine weeks. There are plenty of benefits from getting into running. For starters, it’s an easy way of improving your physical health. Running regularly will improve the health of your heart and lungs. It can also help you lose weight, especially if combined with a healthy diet.

There is evidence it may help increase bone density in some people, which can help protect against bone diseases such as osteoporosis. There are also mental benefits of running. Taking on the challenge of Couch to 5K can help boost your confidence and self-belief, as you prove that you can set yourself a target and achieve a goal. Running regularly can also be a great stress reliever and has even been shown to combat depression.

Rotherham Harriers are setting on a new Couch to 5K group, beginning Monday, January 23 at their Herringthorpe track.

If you are interested in giving running a go, register your interest with: [email protected]