We discuss the benefits, risks and potential diminishing returns of marathons and triathlons. We review the effects of sudden intense levels of physical activity such as snow shoveling. We round up the interview by discussing relative risks for acute coronary events among those who follow different diets, and among smokers versus nonsmokers.

Find out just where the “sweet spot” of physical activity is for true health. Spoiler alert: neither too little or too much physical activity is “sweet.” But you’ll want to hear the details in this excellent episode that is far more like a conversation among friends than “doctor talk!”

Key Takeaways:

What makes physical activity beneficial?
Learn what “anti-effects” properties are (think blood clots, arrythmias, and clogged arteries)
Every minute of exercise counts
How many minutes a week of physical activity the national guidelines suggest
The Copenhagen Study’s suprising results determining the “sweet spot” for sports activities
“METS”
What optimal resting heart rates are and how to achieve them naturally
How to move from sedentary behavior to physical activity