As scientists learn more about the intricate and interrelated effects of exercise, diet and genes on aging, at least there's general agreement about one thing: Exercise is good for you.
If you're a fitness buff, the increased amount of energy you burn during your lifetime probably won't shorten your life, new research shows.
That may seem counterintuitive, considering the many proven benefits of a physically active lifestyle. But one scientific theory, the "rate-of-living" theory, suggests that increased physical activity may actually result in a decreased lifespan.
"We've found further proof, which adds to a growing body of evidence, that the rate-of-living theory is not valid," said Theodore Garland Jr., a biology professor at the University of California, Riverside and co-author of a study presented this week at the American Physiological Society conference in Virginia Beach, Va.
Research disproves theory that physical activity may actually decrease lifespan
By Rick Ansorge
HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, Oct. 13 (HealthDay News) -- If you're a fitness buff, the increased amount of energy you burn during your lifetime probably won't shorten your life, new research shows.
That may seem counterintuitive, considering the many proven benefits of a physically active lifestyle. But one scientific theory, the "rate-of-living" theory, suggests that increased physical activity may actually result in a decreased lifespan.
The theory holds that every organism is born with a set amount of energy to expend. Once its allotment of calories is burned up, its health declines and it dies, according to the theory.
About Lifestyle Family Fitness: Lifestyle Family Fitness was founded in Lakeland, Florida in 1982 and currently owns and operates locations in the Florida market, Ohio and now in North Carolina with approximately 180,000 members. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) currently ranks Lifestyle as one of the top 25 fastest growing fitness companies in the world. All of the Lifestyle facilities include a variety of fitness equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, childcare and related amenities that help “Bring Your Body To Life
®.” Investment partners include Quantum Capital Partners, Inc., Ballast Point Ventures and The Burton Partnership. Lifestyle’s corporate headquarters is located at 140 Fountain Parkway, Suite 410, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. To learn more about Lifestyle, please call (727) 456-3100 ext. 4337 or visit
www.lff.com.