Related Topics:

Healthy Living

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Would you take an exercise pill?

In the wake of the doping scandal in the Tour de France, a new discovery is on the medical horizon that sounds like fitness training in a pill. The researchers at the Salk Institute have identified two drugs that when paired, work together to both turn on the enzyme that encourages muscle formation and also alter metabolism. Tests on laboratory mice showed that exposure to the drug allowed mice to exercise longer and run faster, burning more fat than control subjects. Researchers mention that there are many patients who are bedridden but would benefit from increased physical fitness, but some sports officials mention they are concerned that their athletes will take unfair advantage of this drug.

I could give a crap about athletes getting an unfair advantage in sports, quite honestly, but I am concerned about the other medical implications. When I heard about this drug over the weekend (ironically, it came up during a discussion about hot and cold water circuits, which supposedly tricks your body into raising metabolism), someone asked if it raises your metabolism, how does it affect your lifespan? Would you age faster too?

There are very few people who wouldn't take the easy way out. Even Jillian Michaels admits that she hates working out but the results are worth it. I admit that if I thought I could get the effects of exercise while just working at my computer, I would seriously give it some consideration. What about you? Would you pop a pill if it gave you rock hard abs? The comments are waiting.


MORE FROM ELASTIC WAIST AND SELF:

[photo credit: Getty Images]

Related: salk institute, metabolism, jillian michaels, fitness, exercise in a pill, athletes

Syndication:

related Healthy Living links

  1. 1. The Best Diet to reduce Inflammation and control disease
  2. 2. Skinny is soooo last year, healthy is now
  3. 3. A workout in a pill?
  4. 4. Eat Like Me: What you really need to know about your metabolism
  5. 5. Do you care too much what other people think?

From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 76
  • Mentagurl!'s Avatar
    Posted by Mentagurl! Mon Aug 4, 2008 12:56pm PDT

    No way - I'd rather just workout. I do not trust all these 'miracle' drugs. I'd give it a year before we start hearing about all the harmful side-effects of this so called excercise pill. The only healthy solution to losing weight is changing one's eating and workout habits.

    Report Abuse
  • haymchugh's Avatar
    Posted by haymchugh Mon Aug 4, 2008 3:45pm PDT

    I agree with Mentagurl.

    I don't think i exactly trust these pills.

    Well,setting aside the entrusting thoughts,this pill is some what incredible. Who knew a pill could do so much?

    But i don't know if i dare to try it.

    Like Mentagurl,I'd rather wait..

    Report Abuse
  • Boss # 1's Avatar
    Posted by Boss # 1 Mon Aug 4, 2008 9:34pm PDT

    The problem with these pills is that even if some of the positive effects of exercise are provided, they can't mimic ALL of the positive effects of exercise (bone maintenance, prevention of depression, increased balance & stability, etc.), & will leave Americans a day late & a dollar short every time. (I wrote a blog about this, too...I find the whole thing completely depressing).

    Report Abuse
  • Beth's Avatar
    Posted by Beth Tue Aug 5, 2008 9:40am PDT

    No I wouldn't. I actually love exercising. I barely trust putting asprin in my body so I definitely wouldn't trust these.

    Report Abuse
  • Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance's Avatar
    Posted by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance Tue Aug 5, 2008 9:49am PDT

    As I mentioned in my blog entry posted 8 hours prior to this post...it is a horrible idea. Gives people who are lazy an easy out.

    Report Abuse
  • Mysterious Gryphon's Avatar
    Posted by Mysterious Gryphon Tue Aug 5, 2008 10:19am PDT

    Um, YES!

    Personally I hate the gym; all that effort and sweat ... yuck. I only want to be sweaty if my boyfriend is in bed next to me.

    However, I would keep hitting the gym and going to my Weight Watchers meetings, using the "excerise pill" as a supplement. As other have mentioned, it cannot replicate the toning effects of strength training nor balance and bone density maintenance. Somedays my life just keeps me from the gym or from a healthy meal at home - stuff happens. And if a daily supplement can keep me on track when it does, I'm in.

    Report Abuse
  • Nosmo King's Avatar
    Posted by Nosmo King Tue Aug 5, 2008 11:49am PDT

    yes. I would still exercise, but maybe with these I could actually get some muscles.

    Report Abuse
  • Sound Check Mama's Avatar
    Posted by Sound Check Mama Tue Aug 5, 2008 11:53am PDT

    There would have to be lots of human testing before I'd even consider it. Then again, I like to work out. It's the getting up and getting to the gym that is my problem. But I have been working on some goals to get me through the rest of the summer, so maybe I won't need that pill:

    http://buzz.prevention.com/community/?p=242&preview=true

    Report Abuse
  • aurorafirehawk1960's Avatar
    Posted by aurorafirehawk1960 Tue Aug 5, 2008 11:55am PDT

    I would love a pill that gave me the benefits of a workout because of some injuries earlier in my life to my back and neck I can't do some exercises and I am overweight trying to work on losing it.I would absolutely take it to help myself get healthy.

    Report Abuse
  • KarLa BaBy's Avatar
    Posted by KarLa BaBy Tue Aug 5, 2008 12:08pm PDT

    I don't think these pills and ones similar to It are any good. I would not trust them. I happen to LOVE going to the gym. It just takes a little something called will power!

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-10 of 76

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Let’s talk: Manage Blog My Stuff

Health Byte

Does the election have you all worked up? Take a break from the hype and instead, take some deep breaths.

Try this meditation for the health of the country. »

Sponsored Links