Engaging in extreme exercise, such as running 10 hours a week for over 120 km, might seem like pushing the body beyond its limits. However, a recent study suggests that some Olympic-level professional athletes could actually be adding years to their lives with such brutal routines.
The analysis, which was published in May, looked at public health data from the first 200 individuals to run a mile in under 4 minutes back in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. The researchers from Canada and Australia discovered that these professional runners lived almost five years longer on average than the general population. These findings challenge the common belief that too much exercise can have negative health effects in the long run and propose that pushing the human body to its maximum capacity could be beneficial for some individuals.
While there are numerous epidemiological studies indicating that physically active individuals tend to live longer than inactive ones, it is still uncertain whether exercising more than recommended is advantageous or detrimental to health. Some scientists argue that high-intensity athletes who engage in marathons, endurance cycling, or triathlons might be putting excessive stress on their hearts, increasing the risk of premature death. However, for seasoned athletes, the outcomes could be different. A 2022 Harvard study revealed that individuals who exercise more than the recommended amount could lower their risk of death by 30 percent, which is 10 percent higher than those who meet the activity guidelines.
University of Alberta cardiologist Stephen Foulkes and his team assert that epidemiological studies focusing on Tour de France cyclists, Olympic athletes, rowers, and now fastest mile runners have demonstrated increased lifespans compared to the general population. The unique population of athletes who can complete a mile in under 4 minutes are known for pushing their respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems to the limit. These individuals engage in high-intensity physical activities regularly to achieve their extraordinary speed. A study conducted in 2018 found that the first 20 runners who ran a mile in under 4 minutes lived an average of 12 years beyond the general life expectancy. The recent research considers a larger cohort over three decades, showing that runners who accomplished this feat in the 1960s had greater life expectancy than those in subsequent decades.
The increased life expectancy observed in professional athletes may not solely be attributed to their lifestyle choices. It is plausible that athletes have a higher prevalence of favorable genes compared to the general population. The study of the 200 mile-long runners identified 20 pairs of siblings and several father and son duos, indicating a potential genetic component influencing longevity. While the cause of death for most runners remains unknown, studies on Tour de France cyclists and Olympians suggest that the longevity effects are mainly driven by reduced rates of cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality.
The findings of the study suggest that extreme exercise, when performed by trained athletes, could have surprising benefits on longevity. While the general population may be cautioned against excessive physical activity, professional athletes who push their bodies to the limit may actually be adding years to their lives. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms behind these findings and to provide guidance on the optimal exercise levels for different individuals.
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