Get fit and fabulous with RunnerGirlsIndia

RunnerGirlsIndia (RGI) which was started in August 2007 is a safe and non-threatening environment for women to run together. The GORs (girls-only-runs) organized by RGI are fun, social, non-competitive and open to women who love to run.

Get fit and fabulous with RunnerGirlsIndia

Various running groups have been sprouting up in the city but RunnerGirlsIndia (RGI) is dedicated to empowering women toward a healthy lifestyle, promoting personal fitness, increasing physical activity, emotional health and most importantly providing means of communication between members. RGI was founded in August 2007 by Sabine Tietge, Naina Lal and others. The group organizes fortnightly GORs (Girls-Only-Runs) in Cubbon Park, where women runners of all levels, ages and sizes run together. 

“The club was started with the aim of providing a safe and friendly environment to encourage women to start running. Initially we were a part of RunnersforLife and we realized that most women were uncomfortable with the fact that they had to run with men. Also most of them were apprehensive about how fit they were for running. So that’s how we got started with RunnerGirlsIndia. It is an exclusive running club for women, where we discuss various health-related issues, go for runs and even catch up for coffee over the weekends,” Says Naina Lal.

Members of RunnerGirlsIndia at Cubbon Park

 

 Today RGI has about 200 women who regularly take part in the monthly runs and marathons. Naina says, “Being part of a group like this also ensures lots of bonhomie. We are constantly exchanging tips on what to do for that troublesome knee or where to get a good pair of running shoes or nice inners. We even have an online forum on our website, where women get to discuss about various issues related to running. Though RunnerGirlsIndia was primarily started in Bangalore there are groups in Hyderabad - 14 members, Mumbai - 7 members and Chennai - 7 members,"

 Why running is good for you?
1) Running is the fastest way to lose weight. Run for 30 minutes and burn 500 calories, as opposed to 333 calories for swimming and 250 for walking.
2) It reduces chances of a heart attack. The heart rate increases by 70-80 per cent for runners and 30-40 per cent for walkers.
3) Good cholesterol goes up, and bad cholesterol goes down if you run regularly.
4) The body secretes endorphin, a form of opiate, while you are running, which helps reduce stress and fatigue.
5) Running is good for the mind. It helps you focus.
6) It doesn’t call for equipment. All that you need are running shoes.