A Hunter-Gatherer Exercise Prescription to Optimize Health and Well-Being in the Modern World

© Beijing Sport University 2020..

There has been considerable innovation and advancement in the field of exercise and physical activity (PA). In regards to the battle against chronic non-communicable disease, however, we believe the model of PA that would prove most salutary is one closely mimicking that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. For the purpose of longevity, the human body and our genetic makeup have been evolutionarily adapted to respond best to moderate amounts of high-intensity interval training, in conjunction with high amounts of low intensity exercise. Moreover, to optimize resiliency and cardiorespiratory fitness, a hunter-gatherer fitness regimen must include cross training targeted at flexibility, balance and strength. Though not commonly understood, the health benefits from exercise comprise a reverse J-curve. The endurance athletes residing on the furthest reaches of the PA spectrum appear to lose a substantial portion of the exercise-related longevity and cardiovascular benefits due to cardiac overuse injury. Conversely, there is an emerging body of evidence suggesting leisure time exercise done with peers in a natural environment is significantly superior to that training done in solitude. This idea of the "power of play" lends support to the ancestral model of PA whereby humans are evolutionary adapted to be highly social, outdoor creatures capable of a diverse range of PA at varying intensities.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2021

Erschienen:

2021

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:3

Enthalten in:

Journal of science in sport and exercise - 3(2021), 2 vom: 18., Seite 147-157

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

O'Keefe, Evan L [VerfasserIn]
Lavie, Carl J [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Cardiovascular disease
Exercise
Hunter-gatherer
Journal Article
Physical activity

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 18.04.2024

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.1007/s42978-020-00091-0

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM371136008