Hacker News Reader

Comment by matwood | Hacker News Reader

Bodybuilders? Probably follow a U shaped curve. The extreme ones do a lot that is unhealthy that leave them pretty broken later in life.

Thinking about it more, there is probably a more general U curve for exercise. For example, I used to see an ex-NFL running back in the gym sauna. He could barely move most days before 30+ minutes in the heat.

I power lifted for almost 15 years before scaling back because of age. I feel like I ended up hitting a sweet spot, but was always careful. Even before I really cut back I had quit doing singles for awhile.

View on HN

> I used to see an ex-NFL running back in the gym sauna. He could barely move most days before 30+ minutes in the heat.

This. Anecdotally, I know a retired NFL Offensive lineman. He is on a full NFL disability pension at 35 years old because of knee and shoulder injuries. Moving anywhere is very difficult for him.

There's a major confounding factor for NFL players in that they get repeatedly hit by large, athletic people (running backs especially, but even a kicker gets hit more than a typical bodybuilder).

I doubt it's the exercise that causes most of their health issues.

I've known professional athletes in skating that have had problems as well. Hip replacement in their 20s, joint pain, that sort of thing. Training for hours a day can definitely be problematic later in life, at least with that duration and degree.

Interesting comment about singles. Is that because you felt the massive amount of effort you put in to a single substantially increased your chances of injury compared to doing reps?

Yes. Doing something like 3RM or 5RM for me was less injury prone than singles. Also note, when I mention singles I’m talking close to 1RM. I’ve done single based workouts that were 3RM or 5RM, but I would do 10-20 singles.

I do miss it though. After with computers and abstract complexity all day, there is something relaxing about the simple task of picking up a heavy weight :)

Reply on news.ycombinator.com