It is easy to let the exercise routine slip and then not really get back into it again until spring time.
Even with the very helpful tips runners sent in recently concerning how to get through the winter, nothing was discussed about how to get through the holidays.
Which brings me to this week's article.
I needed a reminder as to the long-term benefits of exercising and thought that perhaps a few of you out there in cyberspace may appreciate the reminder too.
Enjoy your holiday season, but don't abandon your running completely. Take some time off, certainly, but not too much.
To each of us, "too much time off" is different. It is, in the end, a very personal thing.
One reason to keep exercising.
In 1971 Michael Pollock began a study of 27 elite masters competitors while at Wake University in North Carolina.
This group is still being tracked and I think you will find the results support running as a great method to remain active and healthy as long as you live.
Of the group started in 1971, 21 are still active. The participants now are between 60 to 92 years old.
Pollack found that those who remained active can actually slow down the aging process. The least active of the group showed the largest drop in max VO 2. (A decrease in the ability to use oxygen). The most active in the group had the smallest reduction in VO 2. The higher the oxygen uptake percentage, or VO 2, the more oxygen is utilized by that person. The better the VO 2 function, the better the body functions and the slower it ages.
Maximum heart rates were also followed. The heart rates declined by about five beats per decade per person during the study.
The normal decline is almost double that for a person who does not exercise.
For most of the subjects their weight remained stable and body fat percentages increased only slightly over the years. This small increase in body fat was expected and reflects a slight decrease in muscle mass, a natural effect of aging. However, it should be noted that muscle loss and fat gain is far greater in individuals who don't exercise.
Weight training was added to the exercise routine of the competitors. This was done in conjunction to exercise and slowed the body fat
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