REGULAR IS BETTER

HERE is an article citing studies that show sporadic, intense, cardiovascular exercise can be dangerous in unfit people.

The overload of free-radicals created by intense cardiovascular exercise (heart-rate at 85% capacity for more than 10 minutes) on an unfit body can cause serious chemical damage.

A snippet:

" "If you are into high intensity exercise, you should work your way up to it and not simply just plunge in."

The research team used two groups of volunteers, giving one group a mixture of antioxidants, and the other a placebo.

After a week of taking the tablets, the groups were put through their paces on a treadmill and went through routine medical tests.

Blood analysis revealed that the exhaustive aerobic exercise caused damage to important DNA and lipid molecules.

"Cellular damage was induced by the exercise. But we found that the group who were on the antioxidants had been protected to some extent," said Dr Davison.

"Natural antioxidants can be found in a balanced diet consisting of foods such as broccoli, spinach and berries.

"A key lesson is: if you are involved in strenuous aerobic exercise, make sure your diet is rich in antioxidants -- because they will protect against damaging your health." "

Moral or the story: Start slow and eat a balanced diet! If you are going to train for endurance events, keep a regular workout schedule and stick to it.