The community agrees that there is likely no ceiling to the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity, suggesting that our human physiology is naturally adapted to extremely high volumes of exercise.

noli's read

The idea that there is no limit to cardiac benefits is supported by large observational studies, such as those published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which show a continuous reduction in risk as exercise volume increases. However, research nuances this point: while overall cardiovascular benefits are robust, studies suggest a 'U' or 'J' shaped curve for some ultra-endurance athletes, with a potentially increased risk of heart rhythm disorders (such as atrial fibrillation) during extreme long-term exertion. It is therefore crucial to distinguish between overall cardiovascular health and the management of mechanical stress on the heart. The evolutionary argument regarding our capacity to run for days highlights a biological reality but does not account for the risks of overtraining or joint wear specific to our modern lifestyles. Forum users are debating the topic in a healthy manner, acknowledging the methodological limitations of current studies that include few very high-level athletes.

the sources

1. 1r/AdvancedFitness