Running linked to a shorter lifespan

Some people think the more they run, the longer they run, the healthier they will be and the longer they will live.  Yet the evidence doesn't support this theory.

I don't know if most people know this, but despite what we have been taught in schools and by the media, running on a treadmill does not make your heart stronger and prevent diseases like heart disease.  Studies show that this simply is not true, even though it's what we have been taught.

In fact, the only reason that you would get on a treadmill -- and they're doing this out in California -- is to run the power to the gym itself. Otherwise it's wasted energy. The only adaptation occurs in your muscles not your heart.

Now, I know this is going to be hard to swallow for some people, but this is what the evidence shows.  According to CBS News: 

"Going for runs on a regular basis has been linked to a multitude of health benefits in countless research studies, but recent research suggests that too much running is tied to a shorter life span."

So, according to modern evidence, too much running is the antithesis of a healthy heart and a long life.

But, look, this is not a new idea. The subject was discussed on this blog before, and when I find it I will put a link here.  But this is not a new idea.

Anyway, I saw a chart back in a book I read in about losing weight that showed that those who were sedentary had the shortest lifespan, those who ran a lot had the second shortest lifespan, and those who ran moderately had the longest lifespan.  Actually, this updated study discusses those same results.

The experts say they don't know why this is, but I do.  It comes down to something my mom said my grandpa always said, "Anything in moderation is good for you." The people who exercise moderately are those who live the longest.

Studies show the advantages of exercising, of running, are abounding.  It makes you healthier all the way around.  If you are too sedentary, you are an an increased risk of unhappiness.  On the other hand, of those studies, those who ran over 20 miles a day, plus those who ran 20 miles a day and took various painkillers and prescription medicine for pain associated with "too much wear and tear", increased their risk factors for diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history of chronic illness.

The experts suggest a 'sweet spot' for running is a slow to moderate pace for a total of about 2.5 hours each week.

So, this idea is not new. While some athletes think that lifting a ton of weights and running fast, long distances every day might help them become better athletes, it actually results in a greater risk for injuries and a shorter lifespan.