Intensity Minute Data Sheds Light on Fitness Habits

We’re all familiar with the “runner’s high,” and now we have data that underscores how running boosts our bodies and minds.

At Garmin, we know running. We pioneered the modern running watch, and our global community of runners trusts us to track their performance, training and health metrics. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Global Running Day is one of our favourite days of the year. To celebrate, we have some great news to share about the health benefits of your favorite pastime, courtesy of the Garmin Connect™ community:

Positive Impacts of Running on Health and Well-being Metrics

The more you run, the more your biometrics improve.* Within the running community, those who log more than 50 miles a week have the highest average sleep scores and peak Body Battery™ readings — as well as the lowest average resting heart rates1 and stress scores. Even runners who record fewer than 10 miles a week still see noteworthy improvements across all health categories compared with those who don’t record runs at all.

Running and Sleep Score

Globally, we spend more than $5 billion a year on sleep aids, according to research firm Statista. But it turns out running just a few miles a week might be key to a better night’s sleep — and it’s free. Garmin customers who run up to 10 miles a week recorded average sleep scores of 72 (out of 100), which is 4 points higher than customers who didn’t log any runs at all. And the more you hit the pavement, the better your sleep score. Users who recorded more than 50 miles a week have average sleep scores of over 75. That’s a 10% improvement over those who didn’t run.