Asics Europe have recently conducted its study for the different reasons why people start to run and keep on running

Running starts with a wish to get fit and lose weight, but turns into a fun and stress-relieving pastime: ‘First the body, then the mind.’

Most of us probably relate to this goal as a reason to start exercising more frequently, but what is it that makes us continue exercising once we reach our weightloss or fitness goals?

According to the researchers of Asics, what really most people keep on running, is the idea of getting or staying fit which ranks the highest on both categories. Weight-loss is the second most important reason to run, for both categories of starting and continuing. On the other hand, stress-relief may not be a very important reason to start running, but some runners choose it as their incentive, it is ranked number three on the list of why people run nowadays. On the whole, however, stress-relief is definitely a highly motivational cause.

The flexibility, simplicity, affordability and accessibility are greatly favoured by most runners as their reasons above other sports.

You can read more about it in Asics' report here and don't forget to leave your success stories in comments below! What do you feel has helped you?