I was surprised to read this comment from a doctor. Doctors should know that high-intensity training of any form releases the stress hormone — cortisol — into your bloodstream, which can and does cause heart disease if it’s excessive.
Who am I to say? I’m not an MD, right?
However, I am a certified modern nutritionist, metabolic health coach, and a former top-level Olympic athlete. I’ve learned a lot about fitness training, food, and the effects both have on your body the hard way.
I’ve done it all.
I trained like a maniac for years until I blew up my right leg and now have a titanium knee. I almost ate myself to death by following the “whole balanced diet” for most of my life, resulting in a stroke in 2015.
From then on, I took action and studied nutrition and lifestyle behaviors that support heart health rather than damage it.
Within 3 months, I completely healed myself from being a metabolically unhealthy and depressed mess to a lean, fit, happy, and healthy person again.
That was 7 years ago. I haven’t stopped following my new lifestyle for a single day since. I’m now almost 54, healthier, and fitter than ever before.
When I suffered the stroke, I was 60 lbs. overweight and sporting a sizeable beer belly. My blood markers were terrible, with the bad cholesterol — LDL — through the roof and the good “cleaning” cholesterol — HDL — in the toilet.
After 3 to 6 months, I completely reversed my blood values from dangerously awful to excellent. I’ve stayed that way ever since.
Training
Daily heavy strength training is bad for your heart and will, over time, cause heart disease and possibly premature death.
You don’t have to believe me — just Google: How many athletes suffer heart attacks from overtraining per year? Then you will see.
Exercise is vital for good health, especially as you age. However, it’s equally important to understand that you must train sensibly, not overstressing your heart.
If you don’t want to die early, that is, and I plan to stay around for a long time.
My weekly routine:
- Daily fast-paced walking — at least 10000 steps a day
- Cardio swimming 3 times per week
- 3 Strength Training sessions lasting between 15 to 30 minutes maximum, using classic bodyweight exercises
- Sprint once a week in a pool, up a hill, steps, or running on the flat
If you follow this routine, you’ll build plenty of lean muscle, burn off your fat, and feel fantastic all around. Oh, and your heart will be happy and healthy too.
Food
This one is easier than most think.
If you follow a low- to no-carb and high-protein diet, you’ll lose weight, all water retention, and internal inflammation.
You’ll become fat adapted — a fat burner — as you are designed to be — instead of a sugar and carbohydrate-burning food addict.
Lifestyle
This part is even more straightforward.
- Get sufficient sleep & rest
- Eliminate stress by practicing mindful meditation, breathing exercises, and walking
- Have fun, play, and enjoy life
- Don’t do stupid things that can cause injuries or harm your heart!
That’s all you need to do to live healthily — follow natural principles!
Final Thoughts
By all means, strength train your body, but keep it in check, and don’t push yourself too hard.
Eat real, natural, and clean food.
Relax and enjoy your life — it’s not that long, so make the most of it!
Relax and enjoy your life — it’s not that long!
Please believe me, we are not all different, and this method works wonders for everyone because it’s 100% natural!
Rob
Sign Up for Your Medium Membership here.
