Running is a full-body workout that burns a high number of calories.
Running is an exercise that is both aerobic or anaerobic, meaning your body burns fat stores or glucose as fuel. Whether you are sprinting and completing anaerobic exercise, or you are completing a long easy jog and, therefore, doing aerobic exercise, you are using almost every part of your body.
Leg Muscles
When you're running, your legs get a good workout. In your lower legs your calf muscles contract to propel you along. The hamstring muscles, which are in the back of your upper legs, and your quadriceps, which are a set of four different muscles in the front of your thighs, are all contracting while you are running. Hamstrings work especially hard when you're running uphill and also help to strengthen the muscles in your glutes, or gluteus muscles.
Abdominal Muscles
Abdominal muscles, also known as your core muscles and, most simply, your stomach muscles, are contracted and strengthened when running. Both your upper and lower abdominal muscles contract when you're running to stabilize your back and core and help you maintain proper posture. One of the benefits of running is that your core becomes stronger, and therefore the muscles in your stomach also become stronger and firmer.
Arm Muscles
When you're pumping your arms while running, your biceps contract. Your shoulders are also used during running. Long-distance runners often have slender arms and shoulders because they are using their arms consistently throughout the run.
Heart
The heart is a strong muscle responsible for getting blood to every area of your body. When running, your heart rate speeds up and your heart begins pumping an increased amount of oxygen-rich blood to all of your muscles so that you can run longer. Running strengthens your heart, which also contributes to better overall health.
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