Optimum Fitness

[greenghost]

As you probably know, no matter how hard you work exercising and watching your diet, you will not extend your life by more than a few weeks (months at best). Given this, it seems reasonable to ask why any of us are ever interested in being physically fit.

And the answer most people give at this point is: to improve the quality of my life, rather than extend my life. (Some people give the answer: Because chicks dig a six pack. Others: Because I like to exercise.) That strikes me as the right answer. But if it is the answer you give, then it has immediate and important consequences for how you go about training. For one thing, very few of us will ever require in our everyday pursuits the sort of specific cardiovascular condition that is required to run a sub-thirty 10K. Nor will we ever have much need for the ability to deadlift 300+ pounds.

What we WILL require (especially if you are a hunter) is the ability to walk long distances, sprint, jump, climb, and do moderate-to-heavy lifting from the ground to over your head. That is, basically what you will need is what we think of as gymnastics training. If you become reasonably proficient at all of these things (not a specialist at any), you will almost be guaranteed a better quality of life. Don't by the hype, fellas: ultra marathons aren't for the physically fit, but for the physically obsolete.

[tuffshot]

I can agree with that. As we age things change, priorities in life as well as exercise habits. From the days of youth and working on large muscles and heavy lifting comes a time when things slow down. It is more benificial in later years for stamina and long leaner muscles. The leaner muscle is easier to maintain and the body doesn't have to carry around the extra weight.

To make it to a predetermined ripe old age is an ongoing process. The benifit of exercise is to help reach that ripe old age. Diet is a major contributing asset towards that goal as well.

[jgbennett6]

I disagree,
I am a firm believer that physical fitness can extend ones life span for more than a few days or weeks. I am healthcare and have seen the effects of physical fitness, or the lack of fitness. Nobody can beat a genetically pre-disposed illness of heart disease or high cholesterol. however for those people out there who have "self-inflicted" heart problems or other illness, physical fitness can extend ones life span. Lifting weights alone circulated blood increasing blood flow there for helping with the circulatory system and respiratory syste. Do you think lance Armstrong increased his lifespan by being in such good shape after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and going through Chemo. Also being physically fit also strengthens ones immune system which will help that person fight possible infection (internal or external). Not only that but the human body is an amazing tool, If a person feels healthy, mentaly, that alone can help ward off illness.

[greenghost]

jg,

there are some recent studies that show that "healthy" populations aren't any longer lived on average than control populations. I don't have any references off hand, but I read up on this a bit after reading Gina Kolata's book Ultimate Fitness (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001OOTYS/qid=1142018552/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/102-0016004-0692935?s=books&v=glance&n=283155). It is an interesting, but not exceptional read.

But maybe you are right.

Marc

[Cato]

Well, like many discussions, there is probably SOME truth in both viewpoints.

If a guy is already eating fairly well (good food choices), getting moderate exercise, and managing stress, then doubling his effort may yield very little marginal result. But on the other hand, it a guy is smoking, eating all the wrong things, and getting no exercise then I believe some lifestyle changes put the odds much more so in his favor. Of course, genetics and certain diseases trumph pretty much everyghing.

GG, I want to tell you two things; I am enjoying the info you are sharing on this forum, and I am praying as often as I can remember to for your daughter.

Cato

[greenghost]

Cato, Yeah, I agree.

Thanks for the prayers for my daughter. We just got the first set of tests back (after two chemo treatments) and so far the cancer has not progressed at all. We still have years to go before we can breath easier, but at least we know now that we have a solid chance of beating it.

She is actually doing great and the Wyoming community has been exceptionally supportive. Her 4H leader is sponsoring a benefit roping on Sunday (the bills are unbelievable even with insurance) and Ari is actually going to get to ride barrels and do some pole-bending. I spoke with her teacher today, and she has already met all the requirements for moving on to third grade. This is good news since she starts six weeks of radition on April 9 and will miss the rest of the school year.

I think about you and your son often as well. I hope he is still doing well.

[ehntr]

Hi Marc..............I can't agree with your hypothesis on this subj. I've sort of become a fitness junkie over the course of the last 4 yrs. Prior to this I was an overweight slug with chronic back and joint problems. I'm 51 yrs old and I have to believe that my commitment and intense effort has resulted in turning my life around. No' Ill never run a sub 30 10K. There are few people who can and I wasn't born with the genetics that would enable me to do that.

Quote Don't by the hype, fellas: ultra marathons aren't for the physically fit, but for the physically obsolete. Unquote

I don't get your quote? At 50, I ran my first ultra marathon, 125 km through the Rockies in AB, 17,000' altitude gain, trails (not roads).

As for Quote extending ones life by mere weeks or months at best) Unquote, I'd strongly disagree with that generalized statement. I can see all the couch 'taters saying yeah right whats the point. The point is, you may live considerably longer through exercise and diet if you are at risk NOW. Those at risk NOW because they live a completely sedentary life style and toss down cheeseburgers for snacks (you know who you are) should be given incentive to improve their quality of life........something which has improved immensely for me.

I don't necessarily like/enjoy running or working out. I just do it. I do it 20 kms a day, 100+ kms every wk, everywhere, anytime..........no excuses.

Randy

[SteveGabriel]

I'm joining in on this discussion a bit late BUT...

IMHO whether exercise increases lifespan significantly is moot. Once you die there is no way to prove that a person who was moderately healthy and fit would have lived longer had he/she done more exercise or a certain type of exercise.
What I'm concerned about is the quality of the time I have left. Being in moderately good shape, and the definition can vary between individuals, can allow a more fulfilling life.
For some this means marathons, for others the ability to hunt elk at 4000 feet.
An active life is more fun and keeping in shape helps me do it.

:2cents:

[RunMich]

I disagree,
I am a firm believer that physical fitness can extend ones life span for more than a few days or weeks. I am healthcare and have seen the effects of physical fitness, or the lack of fitness. Nobody can beat a genetically pre-disposed illness of heart disease or high cholesterol. however for those people out there who have "self-inflicted" heart problems or other illness, physical fitness can extend ones life span. Lifting weights alone circulated blood increasing blood flow there for helping with the circulatory system and respiratory syste. Do you think lance Armstrong increased his lifespan by being in such good shape after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and going through Chemo. Also being physically fit also strengthens ones immune system which will help that person fight possible infection (internal or external). Not only that but the human body is an amazing tool, If a person feels healthy, mentaly, that alone can help ward off illness.

I agree with you. I run so I can live longer. I just think you have a greater chance in a longer life by staying healthy!