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Perils of inactivity In a recent study, it was determined that inactivity is a serious cause of deterioration of aerobic capacity and fitness. While this may not be surprising, consider that the study was done in two parts 30 years apart. In 1966, 5 healthy men were tested for fitness after 20 days of bed rest. They lost an incredible amount of aerobic capacity and strength. Here is the interesting part that may surprise you. The researchers studied these same men 30 years later and found, not surprisingly, that the men had gained weight (25%) and increased their body fat (by 100%!). The amazing finding was that over 30 years, in spite of the gain in weight and fat, that the 3 weeks of bed rest in 1966 caused a greater deterioration in cardiovascular and physical work capacity than did 30 years of aging. Here is the good news. All 5 of the men then trained hard for 6 months and were able to reverse 100% of the age related decline in aerobic power that had occurred over 30 years. Also, a rigorous 8 week training program in 1966 was able to restore aerobic fitness after the bed rest of 20 days. The moral of the story: Don't sit around, stay active. If you are in bed a long time, there is hope you can regain your fitness but it won't be easy. Finally, even if you are getting older and out of shape, there is evidence that you can gain back the aerobic power and fitness you had many years ago if you give it a big effort. McGuire, DK, Circulation, 2001; 104:1350-7.
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