Why Too Much Of A Good Thing (I.E Exercise), Isn’t A Good Thing

2 hours around my neighbors kids is NOT twice as fun as 1 hour…(Sorry Sharon)

Similarly,

8 hours of exercise a week is NOT necessarily twice as beneficial as 4 hours of exercise a week

Hormesis in its most basic definition, is when a beneficial effect (improved health, stress tolerance, muscle growth, longevity, etc.) resulting from exposure to low doses of an agent that could be otherwise toxic or lethal when given at higher doses (exercise, calorie restriction, certain supplements, etc.)

An easy example is how low level exposure to a pathogen builds a stronger immune system. However too much exposure causes obvious issues.

So let your kids play in the dirt!

Whether you are trying to lose weight, increase strength, increase endurance or whatever you want– You are engaging in certain stressors to produce an end wanted result

What is so EFFING IMPORTANT AND OVERLOOKED Is finding what QUANTITY of the measured stressor is needed to provide the intended result.

A.K.A- In terms of physical health… How much EXERCISE is needed to achieve X (the goal you want)

If 2 total hours of high intensity exercise per week produces the maximum amount of healthy weight loss a week, and you’re exercising for 4 hours and experiencing heightened stress, low sex drive, and an inability to manage blood sugar—
You’re doing more harm than good.

Referring to the graph, finding for yourself what keeps you in that parabola is the most effective way to guarantee CONSTANT PROGRESS, avoid injury, and stay at optimal health.

So where do you start?

You need to track, measure and have constants. Look at yourself objectively and experiment.

I will post more on this and Anti-fragility (Nassim Taleb) soon.