Today there is a critical rise of obesity and health troubles in America, and there are many “remedies” to help this fade away.

One solution that costs nothing, and can be performed by almost anyone, is running.

As simple as it may seem, running has many benefits, both physically and psychologically.

Personally, I have been using running as a part of my fitness regimen for about eight months and the results are obvious.

I’ve lost a total of 75 pounds just keeping a steady exercise program and maintain healthy eating.

The feeling I get when I lace up some Reebok shoes and soar down my neighborhood streets is indescribable, and I can feel the endorphins pacing through me.

Other benefits include being healthier, looking better, feeling less stressed out, as well as personal accomplishments one sets for himself.

Of course, with every positive, there is a negative.

Running—or jogging, it depends on how you see it—can eventually have negative long-term effects on you.

All the pressure on your knees can lead to poor conditions on your legs and your heart and lungs can react against the sport, although I think it’s all personal preference.

Your body on the inside can react negatively too.

I’ve felt my heart at times feel like it’s pumping faster than it’s ever pumped before. My thigh muscles have cramped up. I’ve tripped and cut my knees. My lungs could not produce enough oxygen to help me complete my daily run.

There are many bad things that come with running—and don’t get me started with smog and rude people out in the street.

In the end, the decision is yours: do you want to be healthy and use your legs for good, or do you want another alternative?

I’ve chosen this sport because I think the positive aspects outweigh the negative. I believe there are a lot more benefits you can get from running, if you do it right and respect your body in the process.