In their article, “Health Benefits of Running,” WebMD’s staff uses both statistical data and a cause-and-effect structure to persuade readers into adding running to their daily routine. While these strategies seem effective at first glance, the staff’s failure to establish credibility and connect with the audience on a personal level ultimately weakens the argument.

 

The first point WebMD’s staff mentions is that running improves an individual’s health in ways such as better cardio health, better sleep, and improved memory. They begin with cardio health, claiming, “Running for at least 10 minutes a day can significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease (WebMD).” Lowering the risk of a life-threatening disease is indeed a significant improvement to general health, which serves as a strong reason for the readers to add running to their daily routine. The staff also mentions that running lowers an individual’s resting heart rate, which consequently improves the efficiency of their heartbeat. However, despite these claims of health benefits, the lack of citations from credible sources raises a valid concern: why should readers believe WebMD’s staff in the first place? A credible source allows the reader to verify and assess the quality of a passage. However, without proper citation, it's difficult to prove that the information comes from a reliable and high-quality source.

 

Another notable point WebMD’s staff makes about running is that it improves an individual’s mood and energy. They first state that “Many people run because they want to feel better. The exercise helps boost your mood, concentration, and overall quality of life” (WebMD). These statements make a respectable attempt at establishing a form of relatability to the reader. After all, most people indeed want to feel healthy. However, the lack of specificity in these claims oversimplifies the relationship between running and an individual’s well-being, both of which are complex topics. The staff could have been more specific regarding which aspects of a runner’s daily life are affected by running. For example, explaining how running can relieve stress, or enhance concentration would give a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits. Additionally, providing examples of evidence or studies would strengthen the argument.

 

Finally, one of the most impactful points WebMD’s staff makes is that running enhances sleep. They claim, “Quality sleep is essential for your health. Your body repairs itself when you're asleep, which is why you wake up feeling refreshed (WebMD).” This claim effectively establishes a strong rationale; it connects the idea of sleep directly to individual well-being, appealing to the audience's desire for better overall health. Additionally, WebMD’s staff advises avoiding running later in the day, as it can mitigate the effectiveness of a good night’s sleep. They state that “Aerobic exercise triggers a release of endorphins, chemicals that help relieve pain or stress, which can keep you awake (WebMD).” This statement not only reinforces the previous claim but also adds scientific context, backing up the argument that running later in the day interferes with the effectiveness of sleep. However, much like WebMD staff’s previous points about running, citing a credible source would further solidify each of these claims. Since the reader is presented with numerous supposedly scientific facts, they should be able to verify the quality of each. This would allow them to make an informed decision about whether to follow the instructions based on their beliefs and values.

 

In conclusion, WebMD’s staff article offers a captivating list of benefits and effects of incorporating running into a daily routine. However, to strengthen their argument, the inclusion of credible evidence is necessary to support each claim. Additionally, providing more relatable context would help make the topic more personally relevant. Overall, while WebMD staff’s message is clear and concise, these improvements would make their argument more impactful.

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

WebMD staff. "Health Benefits of Running."  WebMD, 18 Jul. 2023,

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/health-benefits-running.