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I think the problem is that the implementation process -- creating an actual exercise program -- is quite non-obvious. As far as I know, the studies that have b
by 0xcde4c3db 11y ago
I think the problem is that the implementation process -- creating an actual exercise program -- is quite non-obvious. As far as I know, the studies that have been done on the dose-response curves of various exercises have reached somewhat inconsistent results, except that they consistently show significant inter-individual variability for a given tuple of type, dose, and outcome measure (NB: they do not generally show a single unified axis of exercise super-responders and non-responders, a common interpretation of such studies in the news media).
For the general population not trying to optimize performance in a specific sport, the nuts-and-bolts business of "what exercise should I do?" is fraught with bargeloads of pseudoscience, tribal lore, magical thinking, fad-chasing, and actively-amplified marketing nonsense.
And then if, despite the atmosphere of uncertainty, you convince yourself to try something and it doesn't work for you, that method's dedicated acolytes will waste no time in telling you that you must be doing it wrong, must by lying about something, are just looking for excuses to be lazy, and so on.
It's not really an environment that's shaped for success.
- Swizec 11y ago> For the general population not trying to optimize performance in a specific sport, Therein lies the solution. Pick a sport you enjoy, do it as many times a week as your schedule permits, but bend your schedule so it's at least twice. Voila, 2+ hours of strenuous exercise per week.
- 0xcde4c3db 11y agoHow many sports must one try before being allowed to conclude that "a sport you enjoy" isn't in the cards?
- Swizec 11y agoAs many as it takes? I don't know ... Really that's what P.E. is for, they were supposed to have exposed you to many sports so that you could find one you like. I found boxing because I watched a few boxing movies. Then I decided to try and I liked it. Now here we are 6 odd years later and I'm training four times a week. Still no fights though, probably getting into that next year. Surely you have some gut feeling about what you might enjoy? How do you find movies or tv shows that you enjoy watching? Or websites you enjoy visiting? How many tries did it take? How many tries did it take to find friends you enjoy hanging out with? These aren't some deep dark secrets of life. It's just normal everyday stuff. Don't overthink it.
- 0xcde4c3db 11y agoP.E. did expose me to many sports. I didn't really like any of them; some were more tolerable than others, but that's hardly equivalent to enjoyment. I don't dislike physical activity in itself (though it was practically impossible to maintain any consistent volume before my sleep apnea was treated), and I think I understand at an intellectual level why "people enjoy sports". But empirically the reward processes haven't happened for me. Anyway, the reason I'm harping on this is that vague, noncommittal advice like "find a sport you enjoy" is exactly the sort of thing that a true exercise prescription ought to be able to avoid. Doctors don't pull out the Rx pad and write down "find an anticonvulsant that works for you".
- eru 11y agoIn that case, just bite the bullet and pick the sport you hate least. If you want to minimize the commitment: weightlifting is pretty efficient time-wise and effective.