Oh I adore my clients, but (you knew a “but” was coming), many of you are “work hard, play hard”folks. You give everything 100% and anything less than that is not worth doing. It is a beautiful trait and watching your intensity, commitment, willpower and work ethic is inspiring. However, that “more is better” approach may be adding unwanted stress to your body that could actually be preventing you from achieving the results you want.
Some new research is suggesting that those who participate in too much high intensity exercise may actually be at a greater risk of dying of heart disease. Shame isn’t it? You push yourself so hard at the gym, sweat flinging, show up at the break of dawn to workout and it may actually be seriously hurting you.
One study suggests that while the least physically active individuals were at an increased risk of heart problems and earlier death, the most active group – those who did daily strenuous physical activity – also had an increased risk of dying of heart disease.
A second study found participants who worked out for more than 5 hours of a week of strenuous exercise were 20% likelier to have developed an irregular heartbeat by the age of 60 than those who exercised less than an hour a week.
It seems maximum cardiovascular benefits are found with “moderate” exercise rather than “very high intensity and prolonged” exercise.
Well jeez…what the heck are we supposed to do now? Many of you are giggling right now, thinking I just let you off the hook from exercising. Others are quite frustrated because you go out of your way to be consistent and diligent about your workouts and they may be hurting you.
You will not be surprised when I write that I do not know the correct answer here. However, it seems clear that “work hard, play hard” may not be the best for long term heart health. That stress does a number on the system and many of us are paying a steep price for it and we don’t even know it.
Can you do high intensity workouts less often? Can you incorporate more moderate exercise into your life? Maybe it is time to get that heart rate monitor to see just how hard you are working and assess what are some appropriate ranges. Consider going hard 1-2 days a week and find moderate exercise the other days.
More may not better…but doing nothing is not the solution either. I think the work is finding that sweet spot in the middle…finding some balance in moderation. Not quite as sexy as “work hard, play hard” but may lead to happier, healthier life…that sounds pretty good to me!
Are you more confused? Have some questions? Email me and lets chat on how to make nutrition and exercise work for you.