Those who run regularly do so to feel good, keep fit and clear their mind. But according to plastic surgeon Gerald Imber, with a practice in New York, daily running – if too intense – can accelerate aging, and not just at the joint level.
In the video he posted on TikTok, viewed more than 12 million times, Imber warns:
Running makes you feel good, it gives you an incredible boost. But if you do it too much, your knees give out, your hips wear out, your skin loses tone and your face becomes empty. That’s a very high price to pay for a little endorphin.
The continuous impact of the feet on the ground, according to the doctor, not only puts stress on the joints, but over time can also lead to a decrease in height.
Better to pedal
The good news? There’s no need to stop moving. On the contrary. Imber offers a simple and effective alternative: cycling.
Cycling is a low-impact aerobic activity that trains the heart, strengthens leg muscles, improves balance and coordination. And all this without damaging your joints or leaving signs of age on your face.
According to a study cited by the doctor, people who cycle regularly are much less likely to suffer from osteoarthritis or knee pain after the age of 65, compared to those who don’t cycle. But not only that: cycling also protects the brain, improving memory and concentration, and reduces the risk of falls, especially among those over 60.
But is it true that running makes your face age?
Yes, but only if it becomes too intense and constant a habit. Dr. Boris Paskhover, a plastic surgeon specializing in the face and neck, explains that prolonged, high-intensity running also reduces fat mass in the face, making it hollow and tired. Furthermore, with age, the skin naturally loses collagen and elastin, and the impact of very intense exercises can make the situation worse.
This doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to running forever. Imber himself clarifies:
Running a couple of miles a few times a week is fine. The problem is excess. The key is to choose low-impact activities, especially if you want to age well.
@geraldimbermd Get on a bike. It’s better for you. #fitnesstips #womensfitness #healthylifestyle #naturalfacelift #dailyhabits
♬ original sound – Dr. Imber Skincare
Mixed reactions online
On social media, the reactions were not long in coming. Many welcomed Imber’s message with relief: “Perfect, then I’ll stay on the sofa without feeling guilty,” jokes one user. Another writes: “Idleness saved my face.”
But many other runners have responded by defending the benefits of running, as one woman says:
I’ve been running for 22 years, I feel great, no knee problems.
And another user comments:
Running is my fountain of youth. Nothing but getting old!
In reality, the truth lies in the middle: moving is fundamental, but choosing how to do it can make the difference for our future well-being. Maybe it’s time to give the bicycle a chance.
You might also be interested in:
