How running can make you healthier, move better, and live longer
Learn how to become a “runner” with proper techniques and training strategies.
Running can transform your life— and I’ll tell you how.
I’m guessing you’re here because—in one way or another—you’re interested in running.
Maybe you’re looking to switch up your fitness routine and start jogging.
Maybe it’s a new injury from many years of trail running.
Or maybe it’s something else entirely.
Whatever your goals are, you’re in the right place.
My name is Pat Miller—a physical therapist, running enthusiast, and outdoors addict. And I’m passionate about helping others become their best selves by improving their health. That’s why I started Step One Physical Therapy and Wellness. To give you guidance on your journey to becoming the best version of “you”.
Health goes beyond the physical. Yes, your fitness is a key component of your healthy lifestyle. But you can’t build a strong foundation of health without caring for your mental and emotional well-being. All three factors link together.
You know the feeling—the sense of empowerment that comes from challenging your body. Your mind feels clearer. Calmer. It’s almost meditative. At Step One, we recognize this and embrace it. We take a well-rounded approach to your care plan.
Your goals are my goals. If you want help to get started exercising, let’s do that together. If you want to get back to doing the activity you love with less—or no—pain, I’ll help you. I want you to come away from Step One feeling better about yourself than ever before.
Running is healthy for your body.
This will come as no surprise: physical activity is good for you. You learn it in school. You hear it from your friends. You see it in your social media ads. Old news, right? So I won’t bore you with all the data and studies that prove it. But I provide several links to articles throughout the post.
Obviously, you and I are focusing on running. What I like about running is all you need is a pair of shoes. You can do it anywhere. But you have to make the time, make it a priority. If you’re lacking motivation or accountability, reach out to me using this link.
Running is a great way for you to get fit and increase your endurance. Which leads to other positive side effects like your ability to play with your children, boosting your performance at work, and connecting with nature. Not to mention aerobic exercise improves your heart health, lowers your risk of diabetes, and can reduce your risk of some cancers. Some studies even show runners may live longer than non-runners.
To summarize: running can improve your quality of life.
So why wait? Visit www.stepone-physicaltherapy.com.
Running is healthy for your mind.
Seasoned runners will tell you running is an outlet for them. I like to use the phrase “moving meditation” because that’s what it is. Running has a whole range of mental health benefits—in both short-term and long-term runners. Benefits like:
Improved symptoms of anxiety.
Decreased depressive moods.
Better self-esteem.
As someone who struggles with anxiety from time to time, I lean on running to blow off steam and excess energy. My anxiety eases off almost instantly. It doesn’t have to be a high-intensity run either—just a short, mild jog does the trick. And runs can do the same for you.
Running has a lot to do with goal-setting. And achievement brings a sense of power, elation, and self-confidence.
Have you heard of the “runner’s high”? This isn’t some myth or phenomenon reserved for ultra-marathoners. It’s what a huge rush of endorphins feels like. (Endorphins are your brain’s “feel good” hormones.) And endurance running triggers this tidal wave of mood-boosting chemicals.
Plus, running can be a solo or social activity. Use it as a chance to unplug from technology so you can reconnect with nature. Join a run club and bond over the (literal) ups and downs of running. Mix it up by doing both.
Click here to enjoy the perks of running with Step One Physical Therapy and Wellness.
Running is a sustainable and accessible activity.
I’ve already mentioned how running can be done anywhere. It’s an activity done entirely at your convenience. Which makes it very easy to add to your health regimen. And it’s so simple to get started!
As a PT, I often hear how running is “damaging” to your knees and other joints. I reject this idea—it’s an excuse. The incidence of osteoarthritis in runners is actually LESS than people who don’t run. The data shows that running makes your bones stronger.
I also challenge those who think they can no longer run if they have health issues. Sure, running above recommended limits can be detrimental to your health. But that’s true of almost anything in excess.
Running is not only good for you, but it’s sustainable. (And if you don’t believe me, check out this article about a man who didn’t take up jogging until the age of 89…and went on to break many world records.)
Learn best training and recovery practices to cut risks associated with running.
So, why choose me as your physical therapist and wellness coach?
In short, I’m friendly, knowledgeable, and will kick your butt so we can achieve your goals. Check out my website here for my credentials. But I’m not just classroom, textbook, and board qualified. I have real-life experience that lets me relate to what you’re going through.
I’ve always loved being active: hiking, backpacking, weight-lifting. But running has been one of my favorite forms of exercise since I was a teenager. From 5Ks to marathons, I’ve done them. I love everything about race days. The energy, the camaraderie among the runners, the push to get your personal best.
Running became my own moving meditation—it’s how I burn off excess stress. I depend on it for those reasons. But even PTs aren’t immune from injury. Or in my case, injuries. And when those aches and pains prevent me from my meditation, it’s not only my physical health that suffers.
I’ll admit it—I’m stubborn. And early in my running career, I didn’t always use best practices in training and recovery. So getting back on track sometimes took longer than it should have. Okay, much longer. But it wasn’t all a waste. Because now I use these hard-learned lessons to steer my approach and practice to your care.
And I’d love to be the quarterback of your healthcare team. I’m here to help you:
Reduce your time spent on the sidelines.
Lessen your risk of injury, or re-injury.
Basically—avoid my mistakes.
Crossing the finish line…
I hope what you take away from this post is that running can be an effective and enjoyable activity. It has a hugely positive impact on your physical and mental health. If you want to take up running or get your injury treated, Step One is there for you!
Getting you back on your feet—and outdoors—doing what you love…that’s what I’m all about. While there are some licensing and location restrictions for our PT and rehab services, I’ll find a way to help you meet your running goals. Such as wellness coaching or exercise programming. For more information on Step One’s services, check out our website.
It all begins with you getting in touch with me here for a free consultation. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
