On Tue, 6 May 2008 09:14:34 -0700, [log in to unmask] wrote:

>> "Endurance training forces your heart and lungs to supply energy at 
>> continuous, low output, at relatively slow speed, for a long time. Long 
>> duration exercises tells your body to store more fat in order to meet the 
>> unnatural caloric demands you're placing on it by running all those miles. 
>> So when your body's at rest, it's busy getting fatter, not leaner.
>> 
>> "This type of exercise also puts your body in distress mode. It releases the 
>> stress hormone cortisol, which actually boosts triglyceride blood levels and 
>> cholesterol oxidation - both things that can clog your arteries and cause 
>> heart attacks.  Cortisol also lowers serum testosterone and growth hormone 
>> levels, which can lead to depression, decreased muscle mass, and clouded 
>> thinking.
>> 
>> A groundbreaking study of long-distance runners found that after a workout, 
>> "bad" cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased and threw blood-clotting 
>> factors off-balance, increasing inflammation and clotting incidence. These 
>> are both signs of heart distress and precursors to heart attack.
>> 
>> What you should focus on are high-intensity, short duration exercise 
>> routines. These mimic the natural physical demands our pre-historic 
>> ancestors confronted every day. Sudden, explosive bursts of speed - to 
>> escape danger or capture prey - gave them lean, fit bodies."
>
>Fascinating that that comes from Sears who is a former trainer to teams of endurance athletes.  Good info.

Actually he trained Football (NFL type) teams and Olympic Swimming teams, both
of which are primarily short duration exercise, especially the Football
(presumably some of the swimmers were longer distance).

--
Cheers,

Ken