Jogging Overworked Joints to Dust – and other Bike Path Observations

I took a long walk on a local bike path yesterday afternoon. It was a BEAUTIFUL day here in Albany, New York and I was out to waste as much of it being outside as possible (I only wish I had a brought a fishing pole along, maybe next time). I also broke out the new FlipCam Ultra HD and took some interesting and random footage – mostly just testing the cam and out seeing what it is capable of (and very NOT capable of).

Aside from my odd sunglasses observation (a low rent experiment, but interesting none the less) – I noticed a LOT of seriously overweight people seemingly jogging their last ounce of life away – assumably all in an effort to lose weight.

I can really sympathize – actually its more empathy than sympathy. I think I’ve got more empathy than any human on the East coast sometimes. But that only makes the crux of the problem more aggravating…

Why? Because seeing this means that one of two things are true.

Either:

1. They really think this is their way out, and a doorway to a healthy life

2. Someone TOLD them that this is their only way out

The sad truth being it is probably the WORST way for them to get what they want, AND it puts them at risk for injury and failure – which both would be huge setbacks in their progress and self-esteem.

When it comes to straight up weight loss (we’re not talking about strength or athletic performance) I see the optimal success equation something closer to this:

90% Diet
10% Exercise

Meaning – Eat Right (or “wrong” depending on who you ask. Wink. Wink) and the weight will take care of itself. Running is NOT the way to go – especially in the beginning!

In Frederick Hahn’s Slow Burn fitness book there is a section that regards running and jogging in the (rightfully named) “Exercise Myths” Chapter:

“The impact transmitted through the ankles, legs, knees, and hips to the rest of the body from each running step is about three times your body weight. If you feet pound the ground from eight hundred to a thousand times per mile, which is about average for the typical stride, and you are a 150-pound runner, you will jolt you body to the tune of about 120 tons of collective force per mile you run. If you are obese and trying to ‘get in shape’ by running, these figures are much more frightening. A 220 pound jogger generates 175 tons of force. That’s 350,000 pounds of force on knees, hips, and back. Brutal! If you don’t think these forces injure runners, think again.”

Work smarter, not harder.

Self-punishment isn’t required, just start from square one and watch the pounds fall off (without ending up at the hospital due to shinsplints, strains, sprains or tears).

Exercise injuries are NOT the “price of admission” for optimal health and appearance.
To put it another more internet-friendly way:

YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG.

Comments? You know the drill.

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