Professions that would benefit most from regular 5k cardio

As you already know by now, there are so many great reasons why 5k runs are the best form of cardio. First and foremost, it’s a bitesize form of exercise, making it very achievable for individuals who lead even the most hectic of lifestyles. Furthermore, 5k cardio helps develop your body’s blend of strength, speed and even a healthy dose of endurance. It’s also proven that running shorter distances like 5k is better for your body in terms of weight loss and improving your overall fitness than running longer distances.

The issue is there are many professionals working in a variety of sectors out there that don’t exercise anywhere near enough. Less than a quarter (22.9%) of Americans are getting enough exercise for their bodies, relative to federal standards. That’s according to a report last year, which found that less than one-in-four hit the benchmarks for aerobic and muscle exercise in 2010-2015.

It’s therefore important that those working in industries perceived to be lacking in exercise look to short, effective cardio sessions like 5k runs as a means of giving their bodies precisely what they need to stay fit and healthy.

Let’s take a look at some of the professions on the hit-list that would benefit most from regular cardio training:

Healthcare

The problem with professionals that work in the healthcare sector is that they all too often spend all of their time looking after us, instead of themselves.

A few years ago, a study in the UK by the Bedford Hospital NHS Trust discovered that only one-in-five doctors get the recommended 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. The majority of those who didn’t exercise cited a lack of time and motivation, as well as a lack of workout facilities. The latter excuse is simply not good enough, not when you have plenty of 5k runs in the great outdoors.

Office-based workers

Sitting behind a computer screen all day is draining for your body and mind, no matter how creative you may be.

A recent survey of 1,000 office workers in the US found that 60% of workers simply didn’t even attempt to exercise anymore. The report, conducted by GYMGUZ personal training firm, found that 57% blamed their sedentary work-life balance for their decline in health and fitness.

There are solutions for office workers though. Why not embark on a 5k run to work? If your office has shower facilities, what a great way to start the day and get those endorphins flowing. You could even squeeze in a 5k run at lunchtime, providing you give yourself an adequate lunch break, of course.

Poker players

When you mention poker professionals, this immediately conjures an image far from reality.

Poker pro, Zac Aynsley is trying hard to prove that cardio is essential for a healthy lifestyle when playing cards. He says that just 30 minutes of running – enough for a 5k run – can set your body, brain and metabolism up for the day.

When you consider the amount of money that full-time poker professionals play for; day in, day out, it boggles the mind that too few players look after their bodies properly. Some poker pros will play for up to 12 hours a day, whether it’s cash games or big-money multi-table tournaments. Taking 30-45 minutes at the start of the day to go on a 5k run will improve their mental alertness and focus for long poker sessions while helping them to get into better sleeping patterns.

Professional drivers

To some professional drivers that head out on the open road for ten or more hours per day, it might feel impossible to try and exercise in between journeys. Is that really the case, though? What’s stopping them from waking up 30 minutes early and heading out on a run around the surrounding area where their truck or bus is parked?

In actual fact, it’s a great way to explore local areas that you might not ordinarily see behind the wheel. Better still, you’re getting miles into your legs and getting the blood pumping before a long day of concentration on the highways.