A recent study has shed new light on the benefits of extreme exercise, particularly for professional athletes. The analysis, which was published in May, looked at data from the first 200 people to run a mile in under 4 minutes back in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Surprisingly, the study found that these professional runners lived almost five years longer, on average, than the general population. This challenges the common belief that too much exercise can have negative health effects in the long run.
There is ongoing debate about whether exercising more than recommended is beneficial or harmful to health. While some scientists argue that high-intensity athletes who engage in activities like marathons, endurance cycling, or triathlons may be putting stress on their hearts and increasing their risk of early death, others point to evidence that suggests otherwise. A Harvard study from 2022, for example, found that people who exercise more than recommended could actually lower their risk of death by 30 percent. This is 10 percent more than those who simply meet activity guidelines.
Researchers have found that professional athletes, such as Tour de France cyclists, Olympic athletes, and rowers, tend to have increased lifespans compared to the general population. This pattern has also been observed in the fastest runners of a mile. Athletes who can complete a mile in under 4 minutes are known for pushing their bodies to the max and engaging in high-intensity physical activity on a regular basis. A study from 2018 revealed that the first 20 runners to achieve this milestone lived, on average, 12 years beyond the general life expectancy.
While the benefits of extreme exercise for professional athletes are clear, not all of these benefits can be attributed solely to their lifestyle. Factors such as genetics may also play a role. Researchers noted that in the group of 200 mile-long runners, there were 20 sets of siblings and several father and son duos. It is possible that athletes possess favorable genes at higher rates compared to the general population, contributing to their increased life expectancy.
The findings of the study suggest that extreme exercise, when done by seasoned athletes, can have significant benefits for overall health and longevity. While the debate on the potential risks of high-intensity exercise continues, it is clear that professional athletes who push their bodies to the max may be adding years to their lives. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these benefits and to determine the best practices for individuals engaging in extreme exercise.
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