A recent study suggests that extreme exercise, such as running 10 hours a week for more than 120 km (75 miles), may actually add years to your life. The research includes public health data from professional athletes who were the first to run a mile in under 4 minutes back in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Contrary to common belief, these athletes lived almost five years longer on average than the general population.
While many believe that too much exercise can have negative health effects, especially on the heart, this study challenges that notion. It raises the question of whether exercising more than the recommended guidelines can actually be beneficial in the long run. Some scientists argue that high-intensity athletes, who participate in events like marathons, endurance cycling, or triathlons, may be putting themselves at risk of early death due to the stress on their hearts.
However, a Harvard study from 2022 found that people who exercise more than the recommended amount could lower their risk of death by 30 percent, which is 10 percent higher than those who just meet the activity guidelines. This aligns with previous research that shows increased lifespans in elite athletes, such as Tour de France cyclists, Olympic athletes, and rowers.
The study specifically focuses on athletes who can run a mile in under 4 minutes, a feat that requires pushing the body’s systems to their maximum capacity. These athletes engage in high-intensity training sessions regularly to achieve such speed. Cardiologists found that the first 20 runners to accomplish this task lived, on average, 12 years beyond the general life expectancy.
Factors at Play
The longer lifespan seen in professional athletes may not solely be attributed to their lifestyle. Genetics could also play a role, as athletes may have favorable genes that contribute to their longevity. The study observed sets of siblings and father-son duos among the participants, suggesting a genetic component to their increased life expectancy.
The findings from this research challenge the notion that too much exercise can be harmful to health. Extreme exercise, when done by elite athletes who have trained their bodies to endure high-intensity activities, may actually lead to a longer and healthier life. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these benefits, it is clear that pushing the limits in physical fitness could have a positive impact on longevity.
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