Podcast Episode #59: Should You Stop Exercising In Polluted Areas?

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In this September 6, 2009 free audio episode, I answer listener questions about exercising in polluted areas, what detoxing is and how it works, how to lose muscle mass safely, staying fit when you can't run, what to do if your legs get tired before your lungs do, what exactly processed sugar is, and much more!

Listener Mindy asks: "I am just coming out of a bout of serious over-training – to the point of major pathology: I was forgetting things and actually gained fat! Devastating for someone in my position. But you taught me that this happens. I’ve made some rather dramatic changes to my life to heal myself. Exercise is my passion and my stress release. I have returned to it. I do have a coach helping me to make sure I have guidance. He knows what I did to myself. I understand I need rest and recovery – as a matter of fact, I was feeling tired and took my text book, lay down, and actually ended up sleeping for 2 hours. I feel like that is the right thing to do – sort of like “sleep when baby sleeps” advice when a woman just has a baby. Anyway, are there any special dietary measures and/or supplements that would be beneficial in my recovery?"

In my response to Mindy, I reference the post "18 Ways to Make Your Body Heal Like Wolverine From X-Men"

Listener Matt asks: "I've just discovered your website and podcast and absolute love it. Very relevant and, more importantly, very inspiring. I've just started getting into triathaons (olympic distance). I've always played competitive sports and have spent a lot of time bodybuilding. I weigh 220lbs and stand at 6'1 although not quite at the 3% bodyfat you mentioned you were once at. At the Malibu tri last year I was passed and subsequently beaten by a super clydesdale (225+lbs) who looked like a bodybuilder and his final time was 20 minutes better then mine. I've starting to find as I keep the balance of weights and specific tri training my knees are starting to suffer on the runs. Can I have the best of both worlds or do I have to put the weights aside and lose some mass to be able to continue to enjoy triathlons?"

In my response, I talk to Matt about how to lose muscle effectively and safely.

Listener Tammy asks: "Ben, I have a suggestion for your podcast. I am very interesting in the benefits of juicing fruits and vegies vs. just eating them. I know that by juicing you lose the fiber because you don't get the pulp, but is there anything else? Is juicing better for you or not?"

Listener Chuck asks: "Hey Mr. Greenfield, I hope all is going well-- it seems like everytime I read something on endurance training, there is an article by you! I was hoping to get you advice on my training for the next few weeks. This Sunday, the 6th, I am doing the Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll half marathon. The following sunday I am racing an International distance triathlon is Williamsburg. The week after that I have a sprint triathlon at the beach followed by another international race the week after. Then another international following that. Finally, 2 weeks from then I have the Men's Health Urbanathlon in Chicago which is a 10-mile adventure race. So the Schedule looks like this: Sept 6: half marathon; Sept 13: International tri Sept 20: Sprint Tri; Sept 27: International Tri; Oct 3: International Tri; Oct 18: 10-mile adventure run. How do I train in order than I can still compete at my best but recover from each race and not burn out? I'd love your advice, thanks a lot for the all the help you've given me. I look forward to hearing from you."

Listener Kev asks: "Ben, just a quick update. Pulled the calf muscle apart somehow, prob over training and doing this all year. So went and saw PT yesterday and they told me to NO RUNNING for 3 weeks so I'm done for now. Here's pic so you can see what it looks like and exactly what I'm talking about. So do you have any recommendations to keeping running fitness up when I can't run? Should I just do water running instead? If so, how long? 15-20 mins?"

In my response to Kevin, I reference a blog post that I wrote about aqua jogging and water running.

Listener Mark asks: "I'm going to take your advice on the processed sugar e