The common statement "Beauty is pain" is something a girl would completely understand. We understand and accept this because we know that the final product of our hair, face or body will be worth whatever pain we put it through. Maybe there is some truth to this statement because everyone has tried some type of diet where we select salad over that amazing cheeseburger. These sacrifices can be quite painful, but we continue to give in knowing that we will improve our overall health. Exercise, which is another sacrifice made to improve our health, can also be extremely painful, and anyone who's ever done a hard run knows exactly what that pain is. But beyond getting your body into shape, running is about more than toning and strengthening muscles or losing a few pounds. Running has so many benefits that many people don't even know. Even just thirty minutes of running during the week can do wonders for a person's health. (Allen, 2014) Doesn't seem too painful now, does it? Indeed, running benefits a person's mind, body and age. Running benefits the mind. Many don't understand the extent of what running can do for them. Obviously it helps the body physically, but how does it help the mind? In a study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Activity, researchers found that even a single exercise, such as thirty minutes of walking on a treadmill, can instantly lift the mood of someone suffering from a major depressive disorder. (Allen, 2014) Running protects people from anxiety and depression. (Harper, 2014) This does not mean that someone has to suffer from a depressive disorder to lift their spirits. Anyone who might need a little courage here and there and running can do exactly… middle of paper… skip the diets and go jogging. Running is the best way to burn calories, as it burns calories even after an individual has finished exercising, this is known as "after burn". Burning calories is probably the biggest benefit of running, especially in the weight loss-obsessed world we live in today. Lastly, running helps your body as you age. It can help prevent disease, improve muscle strength, keep your mind sharper as you age, and many other things. Getting older can be a scary thing, and while there's no way to turn back time or keep a body at its best, running can help a person feel good about whatever body they have. Running has countless benefits that can truly improve your body and life. So why sit and read this paper when you can go out for a nice jog? It will help your health feel much better.