As some of our readers have observed, Da Coach tends to be a bit critical with the all-too-frequent abuse of health and fitness science posing as real print news. But I would give the entire Wall Street Journal Health and Wellness section on September 4, 2012, a solid B+. (The GPA for most health and fitness newspaper articles is a D-.)
Writer Jen Murphy touched on one of the best-kept secretes in physical fitness and competitive endurance sports in a major article, "Intensive Training, but Taken in Stride." This was complemented by a sidebar piece, "Spotting Signs When Workouts Turn Obsessive."
Serious long distance competition is a world unto its own. Yes, it is exercise and, for the most part, an entirely legitimate sport with extreme training demands. But for some, it can slide over the cliff and become just another compulsive/obsessive disorder.
The problem is exacerbated because the individual often appears to be extremely strong and fit. Appearances in this case can be deceiving. Reporter Jen Murphy nails the message with a quote from Gregory Chertok, director of sport psychology for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center in Englewood, N.J. "Research reveals that no matter what the substance—nicotine, alcohol, chocolate, sex,or exercise—all abused substances [and behaviors, I would add] trigger the same circuit of pleasure…."
The lead article in this section, "My Muscle Mentor," discusses a surge in the popularity of group fitness classes. According to author Katherine Rosman, "The linchpin of a successful class is a charismatic instructor. "
Carol Expel, senior national director of group fitness and Pilates at Equinox reports, "The reason our group of 'fitness business' is so powerful is because the relationship between the instructor and the member is, in many ways, emotional."
So there you go. More evidence that a good teacher, committed to engaging students—whether school aged or adults—makes for high adherence to even the most demanding exercise programs. Too bad we don't have more of this kind of instruction in our public schools. At least, according to...
Da Coach