Is Running Every Day Bad For You?
Short answer
Running several times per week can benefit your body and mind in many ways, but running too often can pose harmful consequences to your body. If you do choose to run everyday, be sure to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to nourish your hard-working body.
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
It is a widely known fact that regular exercise is beneficial to your overall health. Consistent cardio such as running comes with a range of positive mental and physical effects including more muscle, less fat, increased energy, decreased symptoms of depression, illness and more.
However, while running can do amazing things for your body, it can also damage it. Many people who run many miles several times per week experience negative symptoms such as knee problems, shin splints, and even a higher risk for heart problems (although not common). A study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology also suggests that running too much can simply undo all of the benefits listed above.
It is recommended that the average individual perform at least one hour of cardio five days per week. Many avid runners do go the extra mile, literally, and fit a run into their routine six or seven days per week. Doing cardio every day is not necessarily bad, but it is important to switch up the type of cardio you perform. Swimming, doing yoga, riding a stationary exercise bike, shortening the length of your cardio, or participating in another form of cardio that is less strenuous on your muscles and joints a few times per week can help you avoid the negative effects of running too often.
Furthermore, not exercising at all on some days can actually be good for your health and help you reach your fitness goals more quickly. On rest days, your muscles have time to build themselves back up, resulting in increased strength and decreased fat.
Possible short-term side effects
- shin splints
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achy joints
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achy muscles
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not enough recovery time
Possible long-term side effects
- knee problems
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heart problems (extreme cases)
Benefits
- weight loss
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builds muscle
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increases energy
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decreases depression
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decreases stress
Healthier alternatives
- alternative forms of cardio
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rest days
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Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Shaylie F
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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