How much is Too much exercise?

They’re at it again, those who contend that any exercise beyond three sessions a week is excessive. In an earlier post, I responded to such a report I had seen on television which labeled as addicted to exercise those who work out four or more times per week.

The latest report to bristle my dander was on, of all places, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO). To be honest, Mr. Gumbel was also mildly incredulous about the report which dealt with the increasing numbers of baby boomer fitness fans (I am reluctant to really call us fanatics) that are coming in for sports surgeries and joint replacements. The segment asks whether we shouldn’t arbitrarily slow down as we enter our mid-40s and beyond. We hear the argument that our skeletons begin to wear out with age and that we should therefore shift to low-impact exercise. And forget about competitive, even if it’s just an inner competition with one’s self.

The argument continued that the increased demands on medicine to correct the blown joints and the torn musculature would bankrupt the health system. At the end of the segment, Bryant went on the defensive for he is obviously amongst those of us who are refusing to turn it down a notch in our 50s going on 70. He asked the obvious question. Are we not, by concentrating on maintaining our fitness, avoiding some of the chronic diseases of inactivity such as heart disease and diabetes?

I suppose these questions will continue to be raised and we must exercise on either because of the benefits, or despite the supposed negative effects of our “addiction.” I certainly don’t intend to back off, though I do listen pretty closely to my body as I ask it to perform a little more than others of my age require of their bodies.

What do you think? Why not leave a comment?