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[A1CR]

A frequently asked question on the list is the role exercise should play in a CRON lifestyle. In this message from February 15, 2004, Dean gives his perspective on the subject, and points to more comprehensive resources on the topic.

A CRONie wrote:
> Can someone please explain the exercise component of CR

You ask a huge question, whose answer is not at all well
understood. In a nutshell, evidence suggests that:

1) Exercise alone (w/o CRON) will help you be healthier, but won't buy
you CR longevity benefits. This evidence here is quite clear, in
people and rodents.

2) Moderate CRON + moderate exercise appears from limited rodent data to
be nearly as good from a longevity perspective as a more severe,
sedentary form of CRON.

These two pieces of data, coupled with the physical (better bone and
cardiovascular health, increased mobility, etc.) and psychological
benefits many of us received from exercise, motivate many human CR
practitioners to engage in various forms of physical activity.

In my book, it all boils down to what you consider "moderate
exercise". I expend what I estimate to be about 2000kcal/wk in formal
exercise (besides playing w/ my kids) -- in the form of treadmill
running and light resistance training. That boils down to about 1/2
hour of strenuous exercise six days per week.

Sorry if this is less detail than you are looking for. To learn more,
you really need to check out the archives and the CR Society FAQ. Here
are a couple places to start:

http://tinyurl.com/yfxh

My exercise routine, for anyone interested, is in the CR Society Archives

...with the only significant change being I've split my 10min of aerobic
exercise into 5min before breakfast, and 5min 45-60min after
breakfast, to bring my glucose level down.