General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Scared to Train Rss Feed  
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2018-04-06 11:37 PM

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Subject: Scared to Train
I know this made sound weird but lately I have developed a fear of exercising due to the risks associated with extreme exercise. I don’t know how to get over this speed bump? Also what is classified as extreme training? Is there a certain amount of hours a week that is considered too much?


2018-04-07 6:23 AM
in reply to: Oggi

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Subject: RE: Scared to Train
Maybe get a thorough physical including a stress test if you have a family history of heart disease? That might put your mind at ease if nothing else, or help define the limits of what's advisable if there are any issues. Beyond that, I would just do what you enjoy and listen to your body. We're all going to go somehow and sometime; I would rather do what I love and take what comes than stay at home because of health worries that may or may not be justified, or, likewise, not travel or attend events due to things like fear of plane crashes or terrorism. I think just being aware of your fatigue levels and taking recovery days/weeks when needed, not training when ill, and making sure to take several weeks each year off structured training can go a long way toward mitigating some of the risks associated with "extreme" endurance sports.
2018-04-07 7:44 AM
in reply to: Hot Runner

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Subject: RE: Scared to Train

How about if you try thinking of it as just exercise as opposed to "training"? The Department of Health and Human Services recommends a minimum of 30 min of physical activity a day, the American Heart Association recommends 30 - 40 min a day 5 days a week so you should be doing something most days a week anyway. 

And focus on the good exercise is doing for you:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise#section1]

How much is too much? This article discusses exercise for a longer life. Summing it up it states people who do 10 times the recommended amount of exercise, 25 hours of exercise a week, did not increase their risk of dying young. The sweet spot is around 60 minutes a day. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/04/15/the-right-dose-of-exercise-for-a-longer-life/

What made you suddenly afraid to train? 

 

2018-04-07 8:27 AM
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Subject: RE: Scared to Train
Or think of it from a historical/evolutionary perspective---probably for most of human history, and in many cases up until the last century, our ancestors spent most of their waking hours engaged in physical activity, usually moderate, but sometimes very intense--seeking or growing food; getting or making other needed resources; avoiding enemies. Ditto for most species of animals. And yet the human race and many other species have survived and progressed. Anything can be bad in extreme doses, but it's more our modern sedentary lifestyle that's unnatural and placing us at risk for all kinds of problems.

Edited by Hot Runner 2018-04-07 8:29 AM
2018-04-07 11:09 PM
in reply to: Oggi

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Subject: RE: Scared to Train
If you're like 99% of the population you probably won't push yourself to extreme exercise. It's too painful and requires too much commitment. Moderate exercise does have a calming effect on the cardiovascular system.
2018-04-08 9:40 PM
in reply to: Oggi


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Subject: RE: Scared to Train
Feeling the same way! I never thought about it until the last few months, but lately everywhere I turn I have seen, heard, or read that someone has died or been injured severely while running, biking, or swimming. I keep stumbling across these stories and articles accidentally, and they make me feel nervous about the sport just because of how much I'm hearing about it randomly as of late.

Appreciate all the thoughts of the commenters above!


2018-04-09 12:18 AM
in reply to: trigal38

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Subject: RE: Scared to Train
I saw few articles floating around Facebook about heart problems with extreme training, that made me fear a little. However I feel much better now as I train for about 7-10hours a week, so been told this does not come close to the extreme category.
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