October 3, 2007
We all know that regular aerobic exercise is beneficial to our overall health and well-being. There have been numerous studies performed to determine the optimum duration, frequnecy, and intensity of exercise that best benefits the body. If you asked most people, I would imagine they would tell you that a marathon runner or a triathlete is "healthier" or "in better shape" than some one who performs virtually no exercise at all. After all, it only makes sense that the longer you can run or the further you can swim, the healthier you are, right? Well research is discovering that this common belief is totally false. Read on and you will discover the reasoning behind this intriguing new information.
Kenneth Cooper, MD may not be a name that you recognize, but I am sure you are familiar with a phrase that he coined. He is given credit for the exercise craze back in the early 1970's when he coined the term "aerobics." He is the director of a huge exercise and fitness center in Dallas, Texas. He is also the author of the book "The Antioxidant Revolution." In his book, he states that he started to become very concerned when he began seeing several of his super exercisers who had been coming to his aerobic center dying from heart disease and cancer at an early age. He had never recommended excessive exercise, but he had never previously discouraged it either. In his book, Dr. Cooper emphasizes that excessive exercise is a major cause of oxidative stress.
Think of it this way...take an apple and eat half of it, then leave it on the counter. Within a short time that exposed flesh will begin to turn brown. That discoloration is cause by exposure to oxygen. The same thing happens in our body when we are forced to take in excessive amounts of oxygen. When we exercise, the increased uptake of oxygen produces an increase in free radical production. This free radical formation causes excessive damage to our tissues, overstressing the body, and in fact may weaken the immune system and increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Dr. Cooper states that anyone who is engaging in excessive aerobic exercise must take large amounts of antioxidants to try and neutralize the free radical damage caused by this activity. It is also a good idea to take a well rounded antioxidant supplement before engaging in any type of aerobic activity, as the body is still increasing its free radical formation, just not to the same extent as super endurance athletes.
This information begs the question...how much exercise should I be doing? After studying countless subjects, Dr. Cooper has come to the conclusion that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity 7 days a week produces the optimum systemic health benefits. By moderate, he recommends not setting a treadmill beyond the number 5, which equates to completing a 12 minute mile. Recent studies have shown that the death rates from heart attack and cancer are virtually identical for super endurance athletes and people who perform no aerobic activity. These recent studies seem to validate that the old saying "everything in moderation" is still sound advice. Until next time, all the best, in health and life.
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*This article is designed to provide general guidelines only. Please consult with your physician before making dietary changes or beginning an exercise program.
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