10 “Bad” Habits That Can Actually Be Good for You

Running, particularly on roads, has been blamed for wear and tear on the knees, which can lead to osteoarthritis. But a new study shows that those who run regularly are actually less likely to develop the condition than those who don’t.

It seems that running can strengthen the cartilage around the knee, preventing degeneration. Researchers at Monash University in Victoria, Australia, followed 300 adults, age 50 to 79, over a decade and found that cartilage volume increased in those who exercised the most.

Regular running can also reduce pain: A study at California’s Stanford University found that older people engaging in regular exercise, including running, reported 25 percent less musculoskeletal pain than did sedentary people.

So does this mean people with osteoarthritis can run? Yes! While the safest option for people with joint problems is to take up a lower-impact exercise such as swimming, walking or cycling, according to Laurie Hurley of The Arthritis Society in Toronto, “runners without joint problems who train well, run regularly and watch their weight can demonstrate a lower likelihood of developing osteoarthritis than those who don’t exercise at all.”

BUT WATCH OUT! Make sure the shoe fits. Physiotherapist, triathlete and nationally ranked runner Cheryl Murphy of Victoria, B.C., says the most important thing for avoiding injury is a good pair of running shoes, fitted by an expert. It’s also important to listen to your body and start out slowly. “Most people,” says Murphy, “should start with a walk/run program.”

These common habits could be making you sick.