The Need for Upper Limits in Physical Activity Guidelines: A Narrative Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22230/ijdrp.2025v7n2a583

Keywords:

physical activity guidelines, all-cause mortality, resistance exercise training, dose-response relationship, exercise volume, public health recommendations

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) guidelines establish minimum thresholds for health benefits but lack upper limits. Regular PA is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, but a growing body of evidence indicates a J- or reverse J-shaped relationship, suggesting that excessive exercise may not provide additional longevity benefits and may even pose health risks. This narrative review synthesizes findings from cohort studies and meta-analyses examining the dose-response relationships between total PA and resistance exercise training (RET) and all-cause mortality. The greatest reduction in mortality risk coincides with 2,000–3,000 metabolic equivalents minutes/week of total PA, including 40–60 minutes/week of RET. Exceeding these levels is not associated with further improvements in survival risk and may be associated with increased mortality risk, potentially through adverse cardiovascular adaptations including myocardial fibrosis and arterial stiffness. Given the rising engagement in aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise, public health recommendations should include safe upper thresholds alongside existing minimum targets.

Author Biographies

David Goldman, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki

David Goldman is a visiting researcher with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki and serves as Director of Research and Development at Metabite, Inc. He received his Masters of Science in Applied Physiology and Nutrition (Teachers College, Columbia University) in 2012. He also earned credentials as a Registered Dietitian credential (Commission on Dietetic Registration) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association). His work experience spans NCAA Division 1 strength and conditioning, clinical obesity research, and corporate health and performance at locations including Columbia University and Facebook Headquarters. He served as Director of Fitness and Nutrition at TrueNorth Health Center and Chief Science Advisor for The Game Changers. His research interests include sports nutrition, exercise performance, and public health. David is a member and fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He has received awards from Teachers College, Columbia University (Clara M. Taylor grant award), the National Institutes of Health (Administrative Supplement for Summer Research Experiences for Students under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009), and the Fulbright Finland Foundation, through which David served as a Fulbright Specialist (University of Helsinki) and Selection Committee Member (Fulbright U.S. Student Program).

Cassandra Warbeck, Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta

Cassandra B. Warbeck currently a family medicine resident at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada; she holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alberta (2023) and a Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Physiology from the University of Calgary (2016). Prior to her residency, she gained valuable experience as a CSEP-certified personal trainer and interventional research assistant. Her research interests encompass plant-based diets, lifestyle medicine, exercise physiology, and athletic performance. Cassandra is an active member of esteemed professional societies, including the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine.

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Published

2025-10-02

How to Cite

1.
Goldman D, Warbeck C. The Need for Upper Limits in Physical Activity Guidelines: A Narrative Review. ijdrp. 2025;7(2):1-13. doi:10.22230/ijdrp.2025v7n2a583

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles