What happens to long term runners once they stop exercising?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-02-01

Running is a low-threshold sport, and those who have been running for a long time can reap several benefits. While long-term runners stop exercising, a series of changes occur in their bodies, which may vary depending on individual differences, but the overall trend is similar.

Let's take a look at some of the changes that will occur when you stop running:

First, they may experience a decline in heart and lung fitness。This is because during running, the body's blood circulation will increase, the oxygen supply capacity will be strengthened, and the cardiopulmonary system will be exercised and improved.

If you stop exercising, the heart's pumping ability and the lungs' ability to breathe may gradually weaken, and the physical fitness will slowly return to the normal state. As a result, they may feel slightly more fatigued or out of breath during exercise when they are physically active.

Second, their muscle strength and endurance may decrease。Running is a full-body exercise, and long-term running can activate muscle tissue and improve muscular endurance. When they stop running, these muscles may gradually deteriorate, causing them to feel a little strained in their daily activities.

In addition, they may experience an increase in weight and body fat percentage。This is because long-term running helps increase your metabolic rate, promotes fat burning, and keeps you in shape.

After stopping running and exercising, the metabolic rate may decrease, and if the diet is not managed well, the body will have a caloric surplus problem, and fat will easily accumulate and lead to weight gain.

Finally, their mental state may also be affected. Long-term running can improve stress resistance, promote dopamine production, and have positive effects on mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression, and improving self-confidence and well-being.

After stopping running, these psychological benefits may fade away, and negative emotions may not be released in time, causing them to feel slightly depressed or listless.

In general,When long-term runners stop exercising, fat tends to accumulate, strength levels decrease, and stress resilience is weakened. To reap the benefits of running, it is recommended that you keep exercising at a regular rate and don't stop exercising easily.

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