Why running part 1. Some of the benefits of running and other aerobic exercise for cardiovascular health.
As you may know – Can Walk Can Run is a walking and running program that aims to help people with lived experience of cancer increase their fitness and potentially participate in a fun run or park run style event. The idea for a running program was first planted after I spoke with Mel about some of her experiences with running and recovery after cancer as well as some of the gaps in the cancer rehabilitation space. But the ‘why running’ and the reasons we think this is a good way to help recovery after cancer extend beyond a conversation about a shared activity and a possible service gap. This blog post will be the first in a series of blog posts that examine the benefits of running in general and after cancer.
Running can improve heart health. This benefit is available to most people, regardless of age, previous levels of activity, or the presence of disease. These benefits can include:
Improvements in the heart’s pumping ability. This means that performing aerobic exercises like running increases the strength of the heart, makes it easier for it to deliver blood to the muscles and organs, and results in a lower resting heart rate, lower heart rate at work, and increased maximum exercise capacity.
Lowering blood pressure. Aerobic exercise can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which means that there is less stress on the heart and other tissues and organs. Because of this, both jogging and running are included in recommendations for people with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Reductions in ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL and total cholesterol) and increases in good cholesterol (HDL). This can help prevent hardening of arteries.
Collectively, these benefits can help prevent against cardiovascular events or disease and help prevent some of the functional declines typically associated with ageing.
There are also cancer specific benefits. For example, some types of cancer treatment can negatively impact heart health and functional capacity. We have some research that shows performing aerobic exercise can counteract some (but not all) of the effects cancer treatment has on cardiac function and the resulting exercise intolerance. This body of evidence is still growing.
* Exercising after cancer is best done with others and, at least initially, with supervision or consultation from a health professional. At Can Walk Can Run we aim to facilitate a safe as well as friendly environment where you can walk and run.
The references I used to put this post together include: Circulation exercise function after cancer Exercise cancer and CV conditions Exercise and BP Exercise and cardiac health
