Exercise May Be the Most Potent Medical Intervention Ever Known
Exercise is recognized as a vital medical intervention, reducing disease risk and potentially extending lifespan. Research explores its molecular mechanisms, aiming to develop medications that replicate exercise benefits.
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Exercise is increasingly recognized as a powerful medical intervention, with significant benefits for both physical and mental health. Euan Ashley, a professor at Stanford, emphasizes that exercise can reduce the risk of various diseases, including diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health issues. Research indicates that engaging in physical activity can lead to a remarkable statistic: one minute of exercise may extend life by five minutes. This correlation is based on extensive observational studies involving large populations. Despite the known benefits, the precise molecular mechanisms by which exercise exerts its effects remain largely unexplored. Ashley's research aims to bridge this gap, investigating how exercise impacts the body at a cellular level. The findings could potentially lead to the development of "exercise pills" that replicate the benefits of physical activity without the need for actual exercise. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding exercise not just as a lifestyle choice but as a critical component of health care.
- Exercise is one of the most effective interventions for preventing disease and improving mental health.
- One minute of exercise may increase lifespan by five minutes, according to research.
- The molecular mechanisms of how exercise benefits health are still being studied.
- There is potential for developing medications that mimic the effects of exercise.
- Understanding exercise's impact can enhance its role in health care and personal wellness.
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14 commentsAs far as I've read, it's decidedly unclear that general physical activity as an intervention is proven for much of anything; as Dr. Ashley mentions, most of the data we have is from observational studies. I think it's fair to say that for the vast majority of people, a moderate amount of physical activity is almost certainly better overall than being a total couch potato. But it's also not as simple as "active good, sedentary bad". In particular, I've seen a few studies suggesting that physical activity at one's job might not have the same disease-prevention benefits as physical activity for leisure (e.g. [1]), which casts some doubt on the idea that the benefits are primarily coming from physical activity per se.
Why do I hate going to the gym / lifting weight & cardio so much? Why do I feel no obvious benefits from a month of 4-days a week of weight training (apart from some extra strength & minor visible changes)?
If exercise is so potent and so beneficial, then shouldn't I crave it the way I crave sugar? Or at least not actively dislike it?
I've been trying to run myself out of long-covid for four years now, doesn't work
Anyway that's an odd website to link to when there are endless studies and papers on this
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009286741...
It is not that easy:
“While it may be unsurprising to hear a boxer is more likely to live a shorter time than the average man, it is more shocking to learn how tennis players continue to live longer as the years pass, and that, despite advances in medicine and technology, footballers are less likely now than in the 1930s to live longer. This research also confirms that social factors – such as socio-economic background and level of education – have a key influence on longevity.”
https://ilcuk.org.uk/top-level-sportsmen-may-live-13-per-cen...
Who would have thought!
Related
Exercise may be the single most potent medical intervention ever known
The YouTube video discusses exercise's molecular effects, highlighting benefits like heat shock proteins, adrenal glands, and immune system improvements. It covers aerobic exercise, strength training, pediatric studies, and transitioning from sedentary to active lifestyles. Physical activity induces tissue changes to help manage stress.
A Neuroscientist Explains the Brain-Boosting Benefits of Swim, Bike, and Run
Research reveals swim, bike, and run training benefit both body and brain. Exercise enhances cognition, information processing, and decision-making. Swimming improves reaction time, memory, and brain protection. Cycling boosts memory, reasoning, and stress reduction. Running enhances neurogenesis, stress resilience, and motor skills, ultimately improving mental health.
You are probably sitting down for too long
Sitting for long periods poses health risks like heart disease and diabetes. Physical activity is crucial for health. Interventions like standing desks and movement breaks can counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Calorie-cutting mice still exercise, challenging exercise-energy belief
A study from UC Riverside found that calorie restriction does not significantly reduce voluntary exercise in mice, suggesting exercise motivation is linked to self-rewarding mechanisms rather than energy availability.
Rethinking Exercise: How Too Much Can Speed Up Aging, According to Finnish Study
Recent research from the University of Jyvaskyla suggests excessive exercise may accelerate biological aging, while moderate activity is linked to better health outcomes, emphasizing lifestyle factors over exercise alone.