How Much Is Enough?
Despite a team of sports elites coming forward about their mental health in recent weeks, exercise is still good for us.
As promoters of exercise for health and wellbeing, it is important that we do not lose this message and continue to prescribe physical activity as both a remedy to existing conditions as well as a preventative measure.
This asks the question then; how much is enough? There is indeed a direct dose response which can be tipped out of balance to either end of the scale. There is also a big difference between an average Joe’s daily fix and the gruelling training schedules that an elite will have to undergo.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity per week just to maintain good health. This training can be broken down into 3-5 days per week of say 30-50 minutes of single or multiple bouts per day. As long as any one session exceeds 10 minutes it’s considered a lodgement in to the bank of health and fitness. If the goals are then raised further to improve weight loss or performance training, this total may increase dramatically.
The extremes that our gallant elites push themselves to is way beyond our comprehension. They are conditioned to dealing with tremendous amounts of physical, mental and emotional pressure which if goes untreated can result in total blowout. Their schedule of training and events coupled with the highs and lows of performing result in a condition known as post competition depression. Even the urban Mamil (Middle aged man/mum in lycra) and weekend warrior who has trained for a fun event can feel a little deflated once the finishing line has been crossed. The what now, what next questions are great motivators for the recreational athlete while the elites process the triumph or tragedy of winning, losing or DNF (did not finish). Their careers, their purpose and their wellbeing are all at stake. Although this is not an excuse for an athlete to take a banned substance it does allow us some insight into the pressures and temptations which cross their paths.
With the winter games already underway and London fast approaching it is our duty as supporters to really put our money where our mouths are. We need to get out there and emulate our heroes in their pursuits. Swim, bike, run, canoe, join a team sport; get active. So at least when we become the armchair sports experts of 2012 we have the health and the wellbeing to clap in appreciation and an idea of what it is like to be inside the head of the worlds finest athletes as they compete in our good name.
Go Team Ireland !!
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