It is a complex topic, and no one study or article is going to give you a simple answer that is appropriate for everyone. This fact is there is absolutely no one-size-fits-all course to follow to maximize your health and longevity. If you want simple, have a look at what is known with certainty about what decreases health and lifespan. High fat, sugary diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle that includes tobacco use (to any degree and in any form) and excessive alcohol intake are a universal recipe for chronic debilitating disease and early death. Engage in those sorts of things to any degree, any at all and the effects are always demonstrably negative. Putting aside the diet and substance abuse for the sake of simplicity, what can be said with equal certitude about exercise? First, even a little bit enhances overall quality and quantity of life. Secondly, if overdone, like anything else, it can lead to problems. These are well established facts and that are not at odds at all with these new studies being bandied about the internet these days. (God knows, the internet is the source of all wisdom, truth, and knowledge ) I submit to you that if you're pushing your training to truly dangerous levels, somewhere deep down inside, you'll know it. Now I know roadies aren't, as a rule, good candidates for the cover of "Mental Health Monthly", but c'mon folks, if you're honest with yourself and your body, I doubt you can go wrong.

You want a simple rule that covers all the bases. How about "Moderation in all things"? No it ain't sexy and it isn't gonna go viral on the web and it sounds way too much like your father, and his father, and his father before that. Hmm, maybe there's a reason for that. Ya think!?

In closing let me pass along something my cardiologist told me that sums it up nicely for me at least. Exercise is indeed the fountain of youth, but its waters must be taken internally, so while regular sips are very good, bathing in it doesn't help.