Seeking second opinion on a medical viewpoint

[kap]

... especially from another medical doctor. My primary care physician said there are no health benefits after a two mile run. Longer runs are pure recreational. He strongly recommended cross-training to truly reap the benefits.

[Ken Sp.]

Boy---that is a bit black and white.

I see distinct health benefits to running 2 miles if being chased by ------ (fill in the blanks...wolves, lions, cops, muggers......)

Long distance running could cause it's own problems with physical wear and tear.

I would say..do what you like, and you are likely to do it more often.

[Dennis S]

I think he's probably right. You are probably better off eating spinach and carrots than by eating spinach alone.

[kap]

Dennis,
I understand the benefits cross-training brings but the longer runs yield none? Then why are we encouraged to do 30-45 minute workout; not just settle for 15 instead? I think as long as one exercises within one's maximum heart rate it should be good.

[Kiva]

he's probably right, in general, but he would have to operationally define "health benefit"...that's pretty wide...

beware the great oversimplifiers...

kiva

[Doc]

kap wrote:
Dennis,
I understand the benefits cross-training brings but the longer runs yield none? Then why are we encouraged to do 30-45 minute workout; not just settle for 15 instead? I think as long as one exercises within one's maximum heart rate it should be good.

The theory is that while you may burn calories in 15 minutes of exercise, your body won't get much conditioning or build muscle until you've done a bit more than that.

As for the duration issue, after a half hour of vigorous exercise with your heart rate at about 90% the fitness benefits quickly diminish to almost nil beyond burning calories. At the same time, the odds of sustaining an injury increase significantly after the same half-hour mark.

[guitarist]

I think the advice is sound. I think a fitness advisor would say the same. Any singular exercise routine will have benefits only so far. For better overall health benefits, the time and energy could be invested in a more integrated approach.

Some say the last thing you want to do is have an exercise "routine". Your muscles need to be surprised, given unexpected challenges, "mixing it up" with different kinds of training is said to have more benefits.

[Jack D.]

guitarist wrote: ...Some say the last thing you want to do is have an exercise "routine". Your muscles need to be surprised, given unexpected challenges, "mixing it up" with different kinds of training is said to have more benefits.

Kap, if you really want to "mix it up", why don't you come visit me? I'll let you split all the free range wood you want with an organic splitting maul! This will definitely surprise your muscles and also give you the added benefit of experiencing new levels of pain the next morning (don't forget to bring your favorite pain meds!).

As an extra bonus I'll teach you to drive fast in deep snow without a seatbelt and do donuts in snowy parking lots while texting and sipping a latte! Hey, watch out for that light pole!!! :gears:

Then when the day is done we can hang out by the woodpile with the dogs, drink some cold beers and fire up the grill. You may want to bring some gloves because when it's 12 degrees outside your beer stays ice cold without needing one of those insulating can wraps but it can freeze to your hand. So pack up your flannel shirts and hop on the next flight out! -D

[Pam]

What are your goals? Are long runs for your physical health or do you just enjoy them? Are you trying to lose body fat? Are you incorporating resistance training?

Too many people focus on steady state cardio activity. Intervals can do a great deal to increase VO2 and workouts are shorter. Neglecting muscle mass which decreases as we age is as bad as neglecting cardio health. Body weight exercises are only fine for a start. You cannot increase muscle mass without progressive increases in weights. Which means resistance training is necessary.

If overall health is your goal you should mix it up. Cross training is a way to do that. Look into cross fit programs. Or make up your own including steady state cardio, interval training, and resistance training.

[Smilin' Jack]

As others have said, it depends on what level of fitness you're looking for. I maintain a comfortable level of conditioning and the main aspect is a 2 1/2 mile run 5 days a week. The run is moderate with 3 or 4 interval sprints on a hilly route. A few push ups and pull ups are done for warming up. This approach has worked for me for over 15 years and at 72 I feel great. So to say that running is not beneficial is not quite correct. A site I like with good tips along these lines is http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-bl...an-basics/.