137. Exercise becomes physically harder the less often you do it
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
New research shows that exercise literally becomes harder to do the less often you do it – and offers an explanation why. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that low levels of physical activity lead to the deactivation of a vital protein in the body called Piezo1. Deactivation of this protein decreases the density of capillaries carrying blood to the muscles, reducing blood flow to the muscles. Physical activity and exercise then become much more difficult. This study suggests that regular exercise can keep our Piezo1 protein active and improve our physical performance and health.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
