Aerobic exercise ‘a waste of time’ SHOCK HORROR

by Alisha Smith | Wednesday, February 10, 2010

“Aerobic exercise ‘a waste of time’”- I can’t begin to reveal the level of frustration I felt when I read this headline on a news.com.au article this week. The article was referencing a study done in the UK about the effect that genes have on the results obtained by exercising.
In this case, my issue isn’t with the story itself, which is reporting on the findings of a genuine study. The problem is the deliberately misleading headline.

Fitness professionals have long appreciated the individual nature of exercise prescription, and that a “one size fits all” approach is as antiquated and useless as vibrating fat-burner belts. We appreciate that different people need different approaches, programs and exercises; that some people are genetically pre-disposed to a certain body shape; but that ALL people need a mixture of cardio, resistance and flexibility training (to varying degrees) to stay fit and healthy as we age.

That this journalist has dramatised the research and skewed the findings to create such a jaw-droppingly ridiculous headline doesn’t surprise me, it just angers me. As fitness professionals, you, I and countless others strive every day to educate our clients against the innumerable fallacies spewed forth by the media. From the “5 minutes a day to the perfect washboard abs” TV ads to the myriad “no carb/low carb/hi carb/carb enriched/carb reduced” products that litter our supermarket shelves, we’re left to de-bunk myths and try our darnedest to motivate our clients to continue plodding along on the “slow and steady” path to permanent fitness improvements.

I know that these sensationalist headlines garner a level of attention that the much more ‘boring’ truth struggles to achieve, but they play on the vulnerable and the uneducated. This sort of journalism does nothing to help our clients’ and class participants’ motivation, and goes a long way towards allowing the fat to get fatter and the sedentary to sink a little deeper into the couch with a sigh of relief, all too easily prepared to welcome such headlines which justify their inactivity to themselves.

In fact, so poorly written is the article, that within two lines it has contradicted the claim of its own headline – which appears to indicate that aerobic exercise has no benefit for anybody – by stating that 20 per cent of people do not receive any health benefits from aerobic exercise. Umm, that’s 20 per cent – not exactly a majority. So in fact, the story here is surely “Aerobic exercise ‘benefits 80 per cent of people’.

I’ll get off my soapbox long enough to let you tell us what you think. Is “Aerobic exercise ‘a waste of time’” – or should the headline be “Irresponsible journalism ‘a waste of time’”?

You can read the full article in news.com.au here: http://tinyurl.com/yjspnqf

 

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Posted by: Ryan Hogan | 10-Feb-2010 10:23 AM |

I completely agree with you Alisha. This heading of this article is misleading and sensationalist. The last thing Australia (or any country for that matter) needs is another reason not to exercise.

Well spoken!

Posted by: Anonymous | 10-Feb-2010 10:44 AM |

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Posted by: Gray Australia | 10-Feb-2010 08:05 PM |

This article was obviously written with the intention of creating controversy. Its absolutely ridiculous, not to mention irresponsible of the paper to publish a story which devalues exercise when Australia's overweight & obesity rate is 60%. Shame on you Sydney Morning Herald. You have once again tainted your reputation as a credible source of information.

Posted by: raptfx systems | 10-Feb-2010 08:07 PM |

Good going Alisha,
agree with you.

Posted by: Paul | 10-Feb-2010 08:22 PM |

HI. I find that Fitness Trainer Courses teach the same old fashioned Cardio principals. With 13 years experience as a trainer I have found with a large variety of clients, that cardio such as Crosstrainers, Bikes and steppers etc is largely a waste of time. It has its place so use it where it suits. The problem here is the definition of what is cardiovascular exercise. Surely it is simply the bodys ability to get oxygen to the working muscles. This system is worked in a high intensity program using strength or other movements.I feel schools are still teaching outdated generic cardio principles. Most people who focus on the traditional style cardio look stressed and weak. I think your article makes you sound like a religious organisation telling people what your views are. haha..So here's mine! Enjoy.

Posted by: Anonymous | 10-Feb-2010 08:41 PM |

I just wanted to chip in with the addition of some of the most recent research into aerobic exercise and it impact on brain function. My keynote from Filex last year captures some of these latest developments http://voicethread.com/#e453854.

The physical benefits we get from aerobic exercise are simple beneficial side effects, what is so exciting about this new research is that we now know it enhances brain function.

It helps neural development in the hypocampus which results in better learning and memory, it can reverse the effect of aging in our brain just to name a few. [see the link above for an overview]

Aerobic exercise not only for your body but our brains!

Ian Boyle

Posted by: Anonymous | 10-Feb-2010 08:52 PM |

The problem here Paul is not what is the definition of cardiovascular exercise, but rather what benefits are obtained from cardiovascular exercise. By your definition Paul we are performing cardiovascular exercise every minute of our lives as the body is trying to get oxygen to the working muscles, regardless of whether we are walking, sleeping or sitting thinking. You should realize that though as you would tend to find your heart never stops beating. Tell me Paul does a high Intensity strength program or other movements adequatley prepare someone for an endurance event, or a sport that has high levels of aerobic activity. You know maybe marathon runners looks stressed and weak, maybe Iron Men even look stressed and weak, but they are unbelievable athletes. Yes LSD methods of aerobic training are taking a back seat somewhat, but aerobic training and hence cardiovascular exercise Paul is alive and well. By the way Paul you would be an excellent leader for another competing religion against fitness network with your dogma.

Posted by: ROD | 10-Feb-2010 08:59 PM |

Everyone loves a controversial story. As we all know papers are sold on sensationalism. Rather then get into a web of nastiness why not attempt to work with the paper in getting more out of the story on educating the public. Work with the writer or editor to get a real understanding of the story and how they can assist or go to another form of Media. Channel 9 Today have been plugging health and fitness very heavy.....ha.....You know you will have a lot of advocates to push a positive message...So NETWORK STEP UP....GIVE SOME CARDIO EDUCATION...KEEP SPREADING THE WORD.....

Posted by: Helen Poulos | 10-Feb-2010 09:01 PM |

I feel that anyone who plants the seeds of negativity into the minds of people who may succumb to it are quite weak & cowardly themselves for being so negative in the first place. No, Aerobics is NOT a waste of time. I know of many people who wish for the days when Aerobics - yes - plain old Aerobics was back on the gym timetable, because quite frankly, alot of the new additions are intimidating for many to even think about giving a go. Aerobics is good, old fashioned, back to basic CARDIO workouts - & it really is up to the individual as to exactly what they wish to achieve from attending to do an Aerobic workout. ANY physical activity is a bonus in my eyes...if Aerobics were such a waste of time, why do Practisioners encourage 'Incidental Exercise'...? Because, as I mentioned, ANY physical activity is a bonus & really should be encouraged. So, anyone who wishes to have this arguement with me can certainly put it to me, as I am can debate about it till the cows come home. I lost a hell of a lot of weight from 'AEROBICS', combined with other things, such as a POSITIVE mindset to get me there, & to work really hard when I was in the Group Fitness Studio.

Posted by: Helen Poulos | 10-Feb-2010 09:14 PM |

Bring back AEROBICS for Natural Therapy!!!

Yay!!! TRUE benefits of Cardio/Aerobics are transforming...ask me, I preach it because I know. Was a size 16, now a size 8...HELLO!!! Aerobics can be linked to living life to the fullest & being on a constant 'Natural High' for life...set your goals...you dont need to set out to lose weight if you dont want, but just GET ACTIVE & DO AEROBICS!!! Embrace the benefits of old fashioned back to basics!!! Seratonin....Endorphins...who needs to pop pills when you have these amazing natural therapies!!!

Posted by: Jared C. | 10-Feb-2010 09:39 PM |

Once again this article and the varying opinions being expressed here in the comment section provide support for the notion of 'context'. Perhaps if the article was titled ' Cardio is a waste of time for 20% of the population' it may be taken on board with less critique, however i did notice it said it was a waste of time for obtaining health benefits. There seemed to be nothing mentioned in regards to performance enhancement, though i know some people with make no distinction between both but i can guarantee you there is. But irregardless we all can see the article title is just a fancy way of attracting readers to make another excuse for why exercise does nothing for them. Im thinking i should write my own article 'Exercise causes more injurys than sedentary activity and why you should stop'. I could make thousands :D

Posted by: Michael B | 11-Feb-2010 12:28 AM |

Another headline which is not partial but misleading. Nothing worse than an article suppose to be reporting facts but instead swaying the reader not only on an opinion but an uneducated one. Creating contraversy because they have next to no knowlege on the topic.
Unethical? Sure. All forms of exercise as long it is not dangerous to the participant serves a purpose. Depending on the very unique needs of all different sectors of society at different times. Aerobic exercise in any form is beneficial and much better than laying home on the couch. Not a black and white issue like the reporter makes out but very grey like the comments above clearly states Another bit of b, even c grade information from what I believe to be a c grade paper. Im in agreement with Alisha on the article being an irresponsible piece of journalism. Like the other fallacies we see on infomercials, there should be laws to stop manipulation of the general public. In order for corporations to make a buck or in this case sell a story.

Posted by: Daryll | 11-Feb-2010 12:46 AM |

Another piece of lazy journalism, easy to go for the headline instead of researching. Perhaps if the focus was on movement,anything more than normal is overload, then people would not be so discouraged. I agree that negative headlines such as this are an excuse for the hard to motivate not to move.

Posted by: Sean | 11-Feb-2010 07:05 AM |

Do you think maybe the article writer has tried and failed at exercise? perhaps instead of getting all bent over backwards about what happens everyday in the media (manipulation of information) you should all be offering your expertise to the writer to help them deal with their negative outlook on physical activity and give them the opportunity to experience the positive benifits of being physicaly active. We can only help the willing and those aposed to physical exercise already have the excuse not to do so. This article will only serve to reinforce their feelings, any competent reader will see that there are benifits in exercise and as fitness professionals you can help them fully understand what this article is suggesting.

Posted by: Anonymous | 11-Feb-2010 07:28 AM |

I'm just as annoyed as anyone with this article, maybe more so because I am both a fitness instructor and a journalist! For the headline we must blame the subeditor - that's not the journo's doing so we shouldn't blame them directly, however the lead (the first two paragraphs) are definitely sensational and inaccurate with the information given in the rest of the story.

Rather than motivating those who aren't losing weight to try another form of exercise, such as resistance training, anyone skimming the article may just think: "well I'll stop exercising now, there's no hope...pass me the muffin!"

It is reminiscent of an article in the Telegraph not too long ago about cardio making people 'fat'' because it made them hungry, binge eat but also slows down the metabolism. We know that cardio does slow down the metabolism for the direct time after exercise, which is why protein shakes and replenishing liquids are recommended, with a healthy meal to come later. These papers should be picking on people's poor dietary habits and leave our industry well alone!

Articles like this should also come with a disclaimer like a pack of tablets: seek advice from your fitness professional before making changes to your regime.

Posted by: The Industry Insider. | 11-Feb-2010 08:44 AM |

Does it really surprise anyone that the Industrialist controlled Media came out with a story such as this?

Alisha’s points were dead on. I fully support her views and agree that the story should have been titled “Irresponsible Journalism; A Waste of Time.” Good Job Alisha!

Now please allow me to get on my soapbox and go a step further. First of all, it should not surprise anyone in our industry (or any industry for that matter) that big business sponsored media spews out Propagandist headlines. It’s a crime that journalists are nothing more than corporate puppets with no real skill, and they should all be ashamed of themselves. Journalism began as a way to monitor big business practice and hold the wealthy bourgeois class accountable for crimes against the poor ‘servant class’ majority, but has since been corrupted by corporate greed and bribery.

Second, it is true that our genetics are the “Master Gatekeepers” of our physical potential. An Elephant, for example, will never be as lean or agile as a Cheetah, no matter what workout program he goes on, or how much he diets. But, that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try to be the best Elephant he can possible be. In fact, if he tried hard enough he may even come to be known as the Brad Pitt of Elephants!

Third, when will we all move beyond our selfish Vanity and focus on the other benefits of consistent exercise and proper nutrition, instead of only talking about how skinny we are, or how our ass looks in a pair of jeans. Look, I know human vanity is the engine that drives our industry and that most people workout so their butt will look good in their Levi’s, but lets not forget all the other benefits. Start talking to your clients about having more energy, less joint pain, deeper and more restorative sleep, control of their Diabetes, less stress and mental deterioration…the list goes on and on.

My point is, as long as we just focus on the Fat / Skinny argument, we will always be at the mercy of the corporate controlled media who throw out stupid headlines to confuse the uneducated masses and keep them listless and out of shape, so they continue to buy the Doritos and Budweiser that keeps CEO’s happy, and the expensive prescription medication that keeps millions flowing into the pockets of special interest and politicians. I mean come on, we are talking about money, and money is more important than people…right?

Posted by: Anonymous | 11-Feb-2010 09:03 AM |

You can blindfold a person and take them to the dump and most times they will still know or guess exactly where they are. When something smells as bad as this, you realise its garbage. The article was a blatant headline grabbing attempt from some poor understudy in a pathetic attempt to show the boss they are worthy of the front page. It’s an old formula" Misleading headline, contradicting facts within the storyline and attacking a minor industry along the way...receipt for selling papers.
The editor should be ashamed for filling space in such a manner but of course he/she isn’t.

Posted by: Daniel Shakespeare | 11-Feb-2010 09:12 AM |

As a Cert III student, I am in no way claiming to be an expert on the topic however, it should be noted that this study has analysed the benefits of aerobic exercise in total isolation of other lifestyle factors. Any fitness professional worth their salt (or salt reduced as the case may be...) would not prescribe aerobic exercise in isolation and expect quality results, ignore the synergistic benefits achieved by coupling this with a quality nutrition plan, strength and flexibility training. The benefit this article may have for the fitness industry is that it gives the lazy, dim and unmotivated another reason to do nothing, allowing PTs to spend more time with those who are motivated to improve their lives, rather than fighting a losing battle against apathy.

Posted by: Sue Ramsay | 11-Feb-2010 05:38 PM |

I totally agree with the viewpoint of sensationalism, most media outlets thrive on making things up not talking to the right people who actually know what they are talking about then planting the negativity in the minds of people and there goes your motivation.
Yes, everyone has a different body shape and I believe metabolism problems could have something to do with your genetic makeup in my case I know I have a very slow metabolism and I am missing a thyroid so I have to work extra hard with cardio workouts but if I didn't exercise then I don't want to think about the state of my body furthermore as we age exercise is very important to our quality of life. I hope the readers didn't take too much notice of the article.

Posted by: Anonymous | 12-Feb-2010 06:55 PM |

this is media hype at its best all i have to say is read "spark"
by Dr john ratey and eric hagerman. aerobic exercise is more than just fitness of the body but of the mind.

Posted by: Anonymous | 15-Feb-2010 10:47 AM |

How typical of the fitness industry to get its knickers in a knot because some nobody said aerobic exercise is a waste of time. Do the words "fitness" and "professional" really belong in the same sentence?

Posted by: vfb.co.uk | 16-Feb-2010 10:10 AM |

You people are sheep, how can you be so ignorant!?

I completely support the headline - cardiovascular exercise is boring and uncomfortable.

If you want real results, please visit my website for a great deal on a vibrating fat burner belt.

Posted by: Ariel Gonzalez- Motivate You Fitness & Persoanl Training. www.motivateyou.com.au | 31-Jul-2010 08:57 PM |

I cant believe people woould write crap like that, even worse, for people to believe it!