Is running really good for you?

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I got asthma at age 39 (I am 41 now). It is annoying, persistent and barely controlled.

I have been running for 10 years, but more often since Asthma diagnosis and since I noticed I have a high blood pressure.

I am starting to think running is bad both for my asthma and blood pressure. I seem to have lowered it while measuring it at home (between 131-141, lower blood pressure is always normal), but for some reason when I am nervous and in the hospital it shoots up to 180. I understand that this is a white coat syndrome, but if it happens all the time it can't be good. It may also shoot up because of asthma. I noticed that when I run I just feel agitated and don't really enjoy it, even though I can run almost 10km without pausing. For this reason alone I think everything is ok with my heart. Certainly doctors don't seem concerned.

So, what to do? I am thinking I should quit running. It didn't do me any good in the past 10 years. I am thinking of Yoga or something similar. I would like to take up swimming as I know it helps some Asthma sufferers, but I think I might be too old to reap the full benefits.

Anyone in similar situation?

Sorry for the rant.

[Sheryl]

Where do you live?

If in a place with a lot of air pollution, running outside may indeed be worsening your asthma and you might be better off on a treadmill indoors.

Running can also take a toll on the knees, especially in older folks. If you are on the wrong side of say 40, brisk walking is probably better for you than running.

If you live in a place with a lot of pollution, best gift you can give your self in terms of asthma or other respiratory problems is to move somewhere where the air is clean.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I run indoors at the gym.

[h90]

I run indoors at the gym.

Maybe that is the issue and you should try the real thing outdoor? Indoor the air can be bad as well.

[Robby nz]

Could depend on what you are running away from or to.

Other than the facetious bit, running in an air con gym, presuming it is air con, would probably not help.

I don't have breathing problems but even then air con gives me a snotty nose particularly if it is set to low.

Outdoors in a park as far away from traffic as possible would be a better bet, particularly a place with trees around.

How about biking ? again in a clean environment, takes the weight off the legs while still giving exercise.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

It's possible to rebuild the biomechanics in this modern world of smart phones, sitting, forward head position, fallen arches, caved in chest.

Running with bad biomechanics is destructive on the joints.

Once the biomechanics are solid then running is primary functional ability of a being a human.

I have found this book really good to change muscle balance.

There are definitely other sources out there but this is good investment in simplifying the process.

http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Run-Unlocking-Potential-Naturally/dp/1628600098

[SpokaneAl]

Where do you live?

If in a place with a lot of air pollution, running outside may indeed be worsening your asthma and you might be better off on a treadmill indoors.

Running can also take a toll on the knees, especially in older folks. If you are on the wrong side of say 40, brisk walking is probably better for you than running.

If you live in a place with a lot of pollution, best gift you can give your self in terms of asthma or other respiratory problems is to move somewhere where the air is clean.

That is an old fantasy about running damaging the knees. Medical studies have shown that running can actually strengthen the knees.

And while I am merely an experiment of one, I have been running for over 37 years and have raced virtually all distances from one mile up to 50k races, including Ironman triathlons. I have no plans to stop.

I don't have the medical expertise to comment on your asthma problems, but do believe that getting the heart rate up with periods of intensity is good for you. Yoga is good stuff, but does nothing for the cardio system.

Edited December 25, 2014 by SpokaneAl

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

it's not a simple as saying running is good or bad for your joints.

If a person can run pain free then run.

If a person can't run pain free then they need to change some things to progress.

Running with pain is going to lead to problems over time.

Use the discomfort to debug the biomechanics and learn to run again.

Being able to sprint and move like a child can be reclaimed by most people.

It just takes some knowledge to get there.

[Globalist]

Yes running is very definitely good for you, generally speaking!

But with asthma, I guess there might well be issues with the air, as some others alsocommented.

Outdoors is polluted and indoors may be too dry...(?)

Perhaps you could try another type of cardio exercise such as long-distance swimming or even some forms of yoga as mentioned?

[wilcopops]

Get a second opinion on your asthma and other "ailments"

Also check your "life-style", diet etc.........

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Cycling on the level and hiking uphill is way better for the older body.

Much less stress on the knee and ankle joints.

The guy that popularised jogging (Jim Fixx), died age 52 while jogging.

More recently Rik Mayall, age 56, died from a heart attack after jogging.

Research suggest joggers generally have shorter lives than couch potatoes,

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/jogging-could-actually-bad-you-3341609

Edited December 25, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[laislica]

Where do you live?

If in a place with a lot of air pollution, running outside may indeed be worsening your asthma and you might be better off on a treadmill indoors.

Running can also take a toll on the knees, especially in older folks. If you are on the wrong side of say 40, brisk walking is probably better for you than running.

If you live in a place with a lot of pollution, best gift you can give your self in terms of asthma or other respiratory problems is to move somewhere where the air is clean.

That is an old fantasy about running damaging the knees. Medical studies have shown that running can actually strengthen the knees.

And while I am merely an experiment of one, I have been running for over 37 years and have raced virtually all distances from one mile up to 50k races, including Ironman triathlons. I have no plans to stop.

I don't have the medical expertise to comment on your asthma problems, but do believe that getting the heart rate up with periods of intensity is good for you. Yoga is good stuff, but does nothing for the cardio system.

Lucky you.

Not everyone is the same, some some cannot.

Easy really.

Do what you are comfortable with and I agree totally with Sheryl, air pollution is a force to be reckoned with.

Me, I think I would ask why the asthma came on suddenly at that age. Do you have any skin problems as well?

Is your immune system going on the blink?

If so, strengthen it.

Ilke the other poster said, get a second opinion.

White coat syndrome is real. Try EFT and meditation.

http://eft.mercola.com/

It did wonders for me... but then.... I'm not you LOL

[SpokaneAl]

Cycling on the level and hiking uphill is way better for the older body.

Much less stress on the knee and ankle joints.

The guy that popularised jogging (Jim Fixx), died age 52 while jogging.

More recently Rik Mayall, age 56, died from a heart attack after jogging.

Research suggest joggers generally have shorter lives than couch potatoes,

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/jogging-could-actually-bad-you-3341609

Not to belabor the point nor head this interesting discussion off on the wrong track, but one comment deserves a bit of further analysis.

Yes, Jim Fixx died early in life while running. However, he passed away from heart disease, and had he listened to medical experts and had undergone a checkup per their recommendations, there is a good chance his problems would have been found and corrected and he would have lived longer. Additionally, there is some research which indicates that at least part of heart issues are hereditary. His father also died early in life from heart problems, and if I recall correctly Mr. Fixx outlived his dad by a number of years.

One can always find outliers to prove one's point I.e. Running is bad for us and couch potatoes outlive runners, but the overwhelming research tells us that this is false.

The additional stress on knees and ankle joints argument is also false.

Research tells us that exercise which increases the heart rate, and also intervals of more intensity is what our bodies need to live longer and at a higher quality of life.

Find an exercise/training program that you enjoy and your body can handle and keep at it. And if you are just starting out, take it easy and progress at a reasonable rate, and know that the first six months or so will most likely suck. It helps to have some concrete goals besides just wanting to get in shape. Find a race a few months away and sign up.

Edited December 25, 2014 by SpokaneAl

[AnotherOneAmerican]

The additional stress on knees and ankle joints is also false.

Running hurts my ankles and knees, I must be imagining the pain.

And I'm one of the fittest people I know.

Edited December 25, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[SpokaneAl]

The additional stress on knees and ankle joints is also false.

Running hurts my ankles and knees, I must be imagining the pain.

Perhaps you are overweight, or doing too much too soon, pushing yourself too fast/too far/too long or too hard, or are running in cheap or worn down shoes - there could be any number of reasons. Edited December 25, 2014 by SpokaneAl

[carlpipe]

Probably good to get a professional opinion if such a thing exists?

Running is no good for me because of too many broken ankles

Cycling and swimming are my preferred work-out, however cycling in Thailand is kinda risky!

[SiSePuede419]

"I think I would ask why the asthma came on suddenly at that age. Do you have any skin problems as well?"

My asthma started a year after I ingested giardia in Mexico. I also have periodic skin rash episodes every 3-6 months, that last a couple of days per episode.

Hmmm, interesting the things you can learn on TVF...

[arjunadawn]

Besides the sound comments people have regarding running's impact on joints and bones (I agree), I would like to add something for you to do some homework on, of ask the doc if he seems particularly knowledgeable.

There is a very keen relationship to blood pressure and asthma problems/solutions. Generally there are many reasons why the first number (your heart during the pump) can go up; I believe you have described "White lab coat syndrome," which is common, but probably shouldn't be that high.

So, what is it I want you to think about?

The second number particularly (the amount of pressure your heart exerts between pumps=at rest) needs to be a certain pressure to satisfactorily enable the gas exchange that takes place in the lungs at the smallest level, the alveoli. As various forms of asthma (a form of COPD) will impact different pressures on the "other" side of the gas exchange barrier-the lungs and not the vascular system (directly). Remember, your heart pumps the pressure from one side, negative pressure in the lungs is on the other side, etc- and so this dynamic influences a great deal the relationship between BP and asthma/breathing issues- thus gases go back and forth in this relationship. For sure a certain diastolic pressure needs to exist for satisfactory exchange but you don't indicate this is a problem. Yet there is an effective "smart" range you do want to keep your resting heart pressure around and exercise can influence this. Unless directed by a doctor you do not want to set up a circumstance of Ventilation/Perfusion mismatch. The basic mechanics are described here for you to now do homework. Be a smart patient.

I am not warning you of something. I am not cautioning you of something. I am telling you to do some homework and understand the physiology of your own body (my sister has asthma and I am keen on monitoring her care). Then you can do a bit of this, a bit of that exercise, and check your BP, or incentive spirometry, and you can determine your own intelligent manner your body behaves in response to xyz.

The above is not medical advice, it is just an urge to do some homework, perhaps google video animation to see the BP/breathing dynamics and relate it to your own life. I remain unconvinced that running is any longer so smart, but there are alternatives such as yoga, or as above, smartly determining your own, new, normal limits. See your doctor and if he doesn't understand the issue between asthma and intrathoracic pressure, find another doctor; its your care.

There is an app I use and it has a free version by Saaraga, i think. Its called Pranayama Breathing, and this single process some minutes a day will improve your cadiovascaular strength much more than running. This app will actually achieve for you much more than running would do in that it develops the smaller airways, alevoli as well, and if you can withstand the backpressure, really increases tidal volume and capacity. This increases energy, metabolic rate, etc. Find the APp, and aSK your doctor if acceptable for you to try. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-breathing-pranayama/id435871685?mt=8

EDIT: I forgot to ask: Perhaps your doc could run some ANA type tests. You need to make certain this asthma, at your age, is a primary manifestation and not part of a larger clinical development. You want to ensure there are no hidden, other, things coming your way. It would unusual enough for me to want to check everything from simple films, your work/exposure/family/travel history, but also autoimmune indicators. Just my thoughts.

Edited December 25, 2014 by arjunadawn

[bonobo]

Current studies point to moderation in all things. Moderate running is generally beneficial for most people. However, long-distance running actually lowers the life expectancy. Studies of extreme runners have indicated that they die from 4 to 5 years earlier than couch potatoes. The likely culprit is inflammation. Over time, inflammation can seriously degrade the circulatory system.

However, people who exercise moderately have a higher life expectancy than couch potatoes. Of course, the question might be what is moderation? One rule of thumb I read was that if you cannot talk immediately after exercise, you went too hard. If you can talk, but not sing, you probably had it right. If you can sing, then you were not going hard enough.

Surprisingly to me, the best indicator of physical, cognitive, and life expectancy increases was in muscle mass. The higher the muscle mass, the greater all three of those were. Even women 75 to 85 who were put through light weight-lifting scored higher on all cognitive tests within three weeks.

Running degrading the joints is not a myth. Any activity over time will degrade the joints that are doing the motion, be that running, pitching a baseball, ballet, weightlifting, etc. Exercise can strengthen the muscles surrounding a joint and make it more stable, but it cannot rejuvenate the joint itself.

[Pdavies99]

Of course any exercise is good for you...within your limits.

I feel that most people just throw on a some shorts and away they go in there cheapo trainers running on concrete, no warm up and no water for re-hydration and no rest periods.

Also if you have painful knees etc, try and ensure you buy quality trainers with arch supports etc and Knee supports are great for keeping the knees aligned when running. (Try and run on softer ground, not concrete)

Good luck!

The additional stress on knees and ankle joints is also false.

Running hurts my ankles and knees, I must be imagining the pain.

Perhaps you are overweight, or doing too much too soon, pushing yourself too fast/too far/too long or too hard, or are running in cheap or worn down shoes - there could be any number of reasons.

[Slickrick]

I think running is good for you if your healthy. I'm 65 and been running all my life but since being here my energy level has not been that high maybe getting older and the warm climate so I've been long walking. Tend to do better when its on the colder side. Everyone has health issues, so got to find what fits you.

[Robert24]

Exercise in general is healthy and increases life expectancy. The question is whether running is the right type exercise for you. I suggest you go see a doctor and find out what the cause is for your asthma and high blood pressure. There may or may not be a relation with running. I think a specialist can help you further with it.

Now which type of Sport you do depends on what you like. Personally I like running, do it daily, done so for the last 20 years and love it. But some people prefer other types of exercises, i.e. swimming or cycling.

[ThaiSanookGuy]

I think it is totally stupid to run as it is so bad for knees and ankles.

A lot better to use elliptical machine.

[Timebandit]

Same question I had for the only vascular surgeon in Thailand. He said running "good for your heart but bad for your leg veins".

Dr Chumpon Wilasrusmee at Bumrungrad hospital, the professor at the med school there. It was previously mentioned on this thread by a very wise man to exercise indoors at a gym. The doctor told me to swim but I have a different concern then your problem. Find an Air conditioned gym away from heavy traffic pollution or perhaps a condo that has an AC gym. Please run no more out on pavement as the impact eventually breaks down the check valves in your leg veins. My first appointment at Bumrungrad cost only 40,000 baht followed by imaging procedures next visit. Just get the Hell out of this nasty air and bicycle or use a choice of walking machines. Walk outside with a mask now in this smoke from Burma. Best of luck.

[CajunCruiser]

I subscribe to the finite number of heartbeats theory. Each of us has only so many heartbeats allotted to us in our lifetime. If we waste them all running, we shorten our lifespan.

This is similar to the herd theory of drinking. Alcohol kills brain cells. Just as predators improve the health of the herd by culling out the sick, the weak, and the lame, alcohol does the same for brain cells, allowing the brain as a whole to perform better. Sorry to stray from topic.

[danbradster]

Fish oil will help your blood pressure.

Your peak fitness potential is lower than when you were younger, but you can definitely stilll benefit. Compare an older person who spends their days watching TV versus one who exercises every day and tell me which one is fitter.

Running is beneficial, but swimming may be more beneficial for you - especially if you enjoy it more.

Re CajunCruiser's theory of numbered heart beats, I must disagree. The guy who never runs is more likely to die due to Cholesterol related side effects (heart attack, stroke). In this case, the running can save him from that potential demise.

[kkup]

If you run 10 easy, start running 5 instead. Most people couldn't even run 1 without a break, stop pushing yourself so hard.

[robertson468]

The additional stress on knees and ankle joints is also false.

Running hurts my ankles and knees, I must be imagining the pain.

And I'm one of the fittest people I know.

You might want to look at your running technique, but as another commented, we are all different. Incidentally, I turned 70 last month and run nearly every day and do so pain free, it also helps to keep my slightly above average blood pressure under control. I also believe I am benefiting from a better quality of life due to a frequent exercise regime, which includes 40 minutes anarobic exercise. Basically I am looking to achieve an efficient blood flow through my muscels and bones to maintain an effective life style. Will it extend my life span - I don't know as I also don't know when I am meant to die without doing exercises!

[Aforek]

Running 10 kms indoor ? impossible for me, boring, boring

I run every two days 40-50 mn in a park ( wonderful park, not many of this type in Thailand ) and I love it : no pain, nothing ( I am 64 and I walk and ride bicycle every day , too )

I have read that moderate run is very good to stay alive a very long time ; if OP is not at ease when running, better to do something else

[AlQaholic]

I subscribe to the finite number of heartbeats theory. Each of us has only so many heartbeats allotted to us in our lifetime. If we waste them all running, we shorten our lifespan.

This is similar to the herd theory of drinking. Alcohol kills brain cells. Just as predators improve the health of the herd by culling out the sick, the weak, and the lame, alcohol does the same for brain cells, allowing the brain as a whole to perform better. Sorry to stray from topic.

Yes, I noted a substantial increase in Brain activity after I started drinking regularly and heavy. Also my IQ shot up by about 100%, so by all means skip the running and start drinking instead. Dunno if it will help the Asthma thought.