I’ve received several emails from people asking me what I think about the cover story on exercise that appeared in the August 17, 2009 issue of TIME magazine. In response to these emails I have decided to do the following:
1. Refer you to previous Fitness Rocks podcasts in which I interviewed leading researchers on the health benefits of exercise. This includes Fitness Rocks podcast 073 in which I interviewed Dr. Timothy Church – the scientist featured most prominently in the TIME article. There are also great interviews with Dr. Steven Blair (podcast 097) and Dr. Len Kravitz (podcast 077). Dr. Blair has been a leading researcher on the health benefits of exercise for decades. Dr. Kravitz talked specifically about exercise intensity and burning calories.
2. Make another episode of Fitness Rocks. I’m putting together notes on multiple different studies about exercise and trying to arrange interviews with some of the scientists mentioned in the TIME article, some have already scheduled a telephone interview with me.
So, even though I don’t officially do a podcast anymore, I’m doing another podcast episode. Give it a week or two for me to get all the parts together.
Links to Fitness Rocks interviews with the exercise experts mentioned above:
Monte
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Dear Dr. Monte,
I like this video presentation. Your podcast have encouraged me and my family to live a healthy lifestyle. I have listened to all of your podcast since I discovered it about a year ago. I find that I miss your Fitness Rock podcast a lot when I am listing to my other podcast. I am re-downloading all your podcast and will including them in my podcast program so your voice can remind me and recharge me to live a healthy lifestyle.
Best,
Mingder
Hello Dr. Monte! I haven’t been able to see your video yet because of the slow internet connection I am relying to away from home. An “extra” episode is great great news! I have read the “buzz” on the blogosphere about this TIME article (especially on obesitypanacea.com) and have been very surprised by such a cover on a such important magazine. I’m looking forward to your comments on this issue with a lot of interest! Thanks for coming back! Alberto
Dr. Monte –
Did I just hear you slam knitters? Careful! We always have sharp sticks with us!
So, yes, I do sit on the couch and knit. I consider it reps and sets for my mind – I’m sure it works to keep my brain sharp like studies have shown crossword puzzles do. But in my fibre defense, I run by the alpaca farm up the road from us that provides most of my yarn on my 7 mile loop most mornings. And if I need needles I ride my shiny red Trek 1500 to my LYS (knitter code for Local Yarn Shop).
Seriously, I know you weren’t really picking on knitters. Just like I also know that the Time people have lost their minds. Do you suppose that not even one of the people involved in getting that wacky story to print has exercised and consequently lost weight? It wasn’t at all about presenting information (isn’t that what news is?). It was deceptive and irresponsible. Clearly, they have been positioned too closely to the National Enquirer at the checkout counter for too long.
Thanks especially for including the interview – I appreciated hearing directly from him his take on the mis-representation of his life’s work.
Time should be ashamed.
Mrs Q.,
The comment about “sitting on the sofa knitting” was a direct quote from the TIME article.
I would never make fun of knitters – my grandmother knitted things for me throughout my childhood.
Monte