Why Going “Downhill” Can Be Healthy…
Daily exercise can have profound effects on our body. Exercise helps us by increasing energy, decreasing stress, controlling weight and providing a sense of control. While exercise, in general, helps lower cholesterol and sugar it was not evident which types work better than others at doing so.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association and conducted on a group of hikers in the Swiss Alps illustrates how various exercises can actually affect fats and sugars differently. The study concluded that as hikers went uphill a reduction in the fats or triglycerides could be seen in the bloodstream. Going uphill, a type of concentric exercise, involves the shortening or flexing of muscles. As the hikers went downhill they noticed a greater reduction in the sugar levels. This type of exercise, considered eccentric, involves the lengthening (extension) of muscles in order to resist active stretching. The study also showed that hiking either way lowered “bad” cholesterol.
What does this mean? This information allows for a customizable workout routine for people with specific medical conditions. For example, a diabetic knows that walking down flights of stairs can potentially help lower their blood sugar; whereas, someone with elevated triglycerides can benefit by walking up the stairs. Exercising on an uncontrolled downgrade can be harsh on the knees; thus, more gyms need to have treadmills that offer both grades in a controlled environment. With this knowledge one can plan their exercise routine in a matter most beneficial to their personal health, while, maximizing their gains at work knowing when to take the steps and when to take the elevator.
Suneil Jain, NMD