Joggo, a fitness company that offers personalized running programs for beginners and advance runners, today has shared the results of a survey that shows most people start running to combat stress, anxiety, or feelings of depression.
In a survey of almost 78,214 users, 77.9% of respondents were experiencing a negative emotional state before they started running regularly. Out of this number, 40.8% of people were feeling stressed, 19.3% reported being anxious, and 17.8% said they were feeling depressed.
Chris Zibutis, the Founder of Joggo and former Ironman who completed the famed ultra-endurance triathlon, says that running is becoming an activity that not only helps you to stay in shape but also to take care of your mind.
“Previously, our clients were mostly motivated by weight loss and getting fit. But in the past year, we have noticed a rapid growth of people who want to start running to improve their mental health, too.” – said Chris Zibutis.
These findings correlate with insights shared by most influential global health organizations, such as the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).
The organizations suggest the close connection between regular moderate physical activity levels and reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression. It also improves overall cognitive health in adults.
Running is considered a great way to control stress and boost the body's ability to deal with existing mental tension, and perfectly fits into the guideline to complete 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
“Running releases endocannabinoids, natural biochemical substances that reduce anxiety and increase calmness. They are the reason behind the feeling that you might know as ‘The Runner’s High.’ Also, jogging increases your norepinephrine levels, which is a chemical responsible for managing the brain's response to stress.” – said the Joggo Founder.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 Americans in 2019 lives with mental illness, and the numbers are expected to increase due to the stress of Covid-19 pandemic and nation-wide lockdowns.
“Running is one of the easiest, safest, and cheapest ways to take care of your health and is also one of the best ways to mitigate the looming mental health crisis.” – says Zibutis.
About Joggo
Joggo is a digital health and fitness company that was designed to help its users avoid the pitfalls of starting a regular running routine. The app offers personalized running plans, educational content, consultations, and meal plans for novice runners.
Joggo helps new runners fall in love with their run, reach their goals, and get the endorphins flowing. Founded in 2020, the company currently has X active users.
