Why doing the Parkrun may be the best decision you make to improve your wellbeing!

Introduction

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5k event that takes place in parks all over the world. It is open to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. Parkrun is a great way to get regular exercise, meet new people, and be part of a community.

History of the Parkrun

Parkrun was founded in 2004 by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in Bushy Park, London. The first event had 13 runners. Since then, parkrun has grown to over 2,000 events in 22 countries, with over 2 million registered runners.

Benefits of Parkrun for People Over 40

There are many benefits of  the Parkrun for people over 40. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• Improved physical health. Parkrun is a great way to get regular exercise. Regular exercise is important for people of all ages, but it is especially important for people over 40. Exercise can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. It can also help to improve your mood, sleep, and energy levels.
• Reduced stress levels. Exercise is a natural way to reduce stress. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Parkrun is a great way to get exercise in a relaxed and social environment.
• Improved mental health. Exercise can also help to improve your mental health. It can help to reduce anxiety and depression, and it can improve your self-esteem and confidence. Parkrun is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Having a strong social network is important for your mental health.
• Sense of community. Parkrun is a community event. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. This can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. Having a strong social network is important for your physical and mental health.
• Volunteering opportunities. Parkrun is run by volunteers. This means that there are many opportunities to get involved and give back to your community. Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference.

Parkrun directly supports the NHS 5 Steps to Wellbeing advice

The NHS 5 Steps to Wellbeing are a set of simple things that you can do to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Parkrun can help you to achieve all 5 steps:

1. Be active. Parkrun is a great way to get regular exercise.
2. Eat well. Parkrun can help you to make healthier choices about food. You can fuel your run with healthy snacks and drinks, and you can meet other people who are interested in healthy eating.
3. Drink less alcohol. Parkrun is a great way to get exercise and reduce stress, both of which can help you to drink less alcohol.
4. Get enough sleep. Parkrun can help you to get enough sleep by giving you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
5. Connect with others. Parkrun is a great way to connect with others and build a strong social network.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, the parkrun is a great way to get regular exercise, meet new people, and be part of a community. It is especially beneficial for people over 40, who can reap the rewards of improved physical and mental health, reduced stress levels, a sense of community, and volunteering opportunities.

If you are over 40 and looking for a way to improve your health and wellbeing, I encourage you to give parkrun a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Park Run Website

NHS-5 Steps to mental Wellbeing