Health Impacts From Running
“Caution – Runners Beware – Negative Health Impacts Associated With Running”
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise there is. Easy to do and all you need is a good pair of shoes. But as with anything, too much of one activity is never a good thing.
Recent studies show that excessive running can cause a strain on your heart especially in older generations which will obviously negate all the cardiovascular benefits.
[flashvideo file=http://lifechiropractic.s3.amazonaws.com/06.03.2014.health.issues.from.running.bi-1.m4v image=https://lifechiropracticcentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/running.impacts.jpg width=500 height=305 /]Here are the highlights of the study:
• People who exercise o a regular basis have markedly lower rates of disability and a mean life expectancy that is 7 years longer than those who do not exercise. But, a safe upper dose exists beyond which there can be adverse effects.
• Regular, intense and sustained exercise can cause patches of scar tissue in your heart muscle creating the potential for arrhythmias and fibrillations.
• Regular , excessive and sustained exercise may also be associated with calcification of the coronary artery and stiffening of the walls of the large arteries.
• Veteran endurance athletes (marathon runners, professional cyclists for example) have been noted to have a 5-fold increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Atrial Fibrillation
(AF) increases your risk of blood clots and strokes.
This study primarily focused on people who trained at very high volumes for very long distances which takes most of us out of the risk category.
Unless you are training for marathons or triathlons or some other endurance event on a consistent basis, you probably don’t have much to worry about.
The study also did not account for other variables such as diet, sleep habits, lifestyle and occupation.
But, the study does make an interesting point and it is something you should seriously consider especially if you are older and long distance running is your predominant form of exercise.
And, always keep in mind that your body has to absorb the shock from pounding the pavement over and over which is very taxing on your feet, knees, hips and lower back leaving you prone to repetitive strain injuries.
So, if excessive strain on your heart and your skeletal system is a concern for you, mixing up your routine may be just what you need.
And this we will cover next time.
(ref. S. Ohtake)
If you have any questions on this topic or any other health concerns you or your family may have, please give us a call at 905 335 LIFE (5433), or you can email us through the contact form on our website.
Remember that consultations are always free of charge and family appointments are always available.
Life Chiropractic …helping families just like yours build vibrant, healthy, drug-free lives for over 25 years in Burlington.
Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad