Just like the truth about sugar is coming out, so is the truth about exercise. I was watching a documentary (the title of this post) made in England about new research into exercise. The study involved 1000 people who were required to exercise 4hrs/week for 20 weeks. Through their research they found that 15% were non-responders - exercise did absolutely nothing to improve their aerobic fitness and at the other end of the scale only 20% benefited greatly.
That it all boiled down to your genes. They could tell by a blood test - DNA; they also did a glucose sensitivity and an aerobic (VO2) test.
Hours of exercise is not necessary. There is a new concept called HIT (high intensity training) which involves 3 x 20sec bursts of flat out exercise (in this case stationary bike), 3 x week. The 'guinea pig' (presenter who follows up all these new researches) did the the HIT for four weeks and his glucose sensitivity dropped by 23%. His stamina on the aerobic test was marginally better than original, but it was found he was a non-responder to (I would say conventional) aerobic exercise, so no matter how much he would do it, he would not benefit.
He asked the researcher why in regards to exercise it is still recommended 'more is better'. Researcher stated it was basically an industry which sells, gym membership, equipment, etc. They couldn't make money if people didn't need/have to exercise. (The Almighty dollar rearing its head again.)
Another form of exercise which isn't exercise was NEAT (non-exercise activity themo-something - don't quote me on this one as he only said it once). It is basically 'THE CHAIR IS A KILLER' - get off it. Stand instead of sit, if you stand you will more than likely move. If you move, you may walk. If you walk, walk a little faster. Just add a little more of the activities of daily living - MOVE. Stay off your (how to say this politely) bottom. If you sit, your body stays in 'idle' and the sugar and blood fats 'pool' in your body - if you move it all circulates, which is better for you.
They went on to say that like medicine needs to be personalised so does exercise - the amount and type.
If you enjoyed jogging and going to the gym to continue, but many people do not enjoy doing so.
Found it interesting to say the least. I had heard of the HIT type of concept before, though in a different context.