What it is
Regulatory status: exercise practice
Mechanism evidence: human
At a glance
What it is, why people use it, the evidence, and what to know before trying it.
Why people use it
- Aerobic fitness
- Cardiometabolic health
- Endurance
Evidence at a glance
Running is a well-supported aerobic activity. A personal 25–30-minute run at roughly 85% effort is one program choice, not a universally appropriate intensity or dose.
Confidence: strong
Practice safety
Situations where this practice may need modification or professional guidance.
Running can cause overuse injury, acute musculoskeletal injury, heat illness or rare cardiovascular events. Build volume gradually, use safe routes and seek assessment for chest pain, fainting or persistent injury.
- Acute injury that changes gait
- Unexplained exertional chest pain or fainting
- Overuse injury
- Muscle soreness
- Blisters
- Heat strain
Forms and variants
This review does not automatically apply to:
- walking
- loaded rucking
- all sprint or interval protocols
Seen in protocols
Public protocols that include Running. Open one to see the full context and source.