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A hardcore headbanger will definitely have biological advantages

by Juninho

I had briefly touched upon the subject in a previous article, which dealt with the loudest bands in the world .

This time I decided to do it more thoroughly, especially since it concerns potentially beneficial information of great interest to all types of audiences.

It is scientifically proven that 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week brings various improvements to people's health. This time can be accumulated – for example, 30 minutes daily from Monday to Friday – or in more intense doses – 1 hour of vigorous exercise, twice a week; etc.

It is well known that one of the characteristics of those who live the Heavy Metal philosophy is the practice of headbanging and also moshing in mosh pits. These are extremely energetic activities, with aggressive attitudes, but in a peaceful and fraternal environment. The physical demands are intense, sometimes leading to injuries in those who are less physically prepared, just as happens in any sport practiced inadvertently by individuals without adequate physical preparation.

The fact is that, being a vigorous physical activity, if performed frequently for 75 minutes a week or more, it will certainly bring health benefits to those who practice it. Considering the total number of international concerts in São Paulo in 2013, we have an incredible average of one different concert every three days, offering the possibility of collective headbanging and mosh pits, far exceeding the medical recommendation of 75 minutes of high-intensity physical exercise per week. It can be concluded that a fanatical headbanger will definitely reap the biological benefits of these practices.

The more metal you eat, the less depression, anxiety, and stress you'll experience. The more metal you eat, the better your mood, concentration, and memory

There are numerous physical benefits to regularly practicing intense exercises like headbanging and mosh pits, impacting virtually the entire body. Let's look at them:

– Inversely proportional to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and the risk of death from heart disease (the more metal, the lower the chance of diseases such as acute myocardial infarction). In some observational studies, the risk of death was reduced by up to 50% per year;

– improved lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism (the more metal, the lower the serum concentration of LDL, which is bad cholesterol, and the higher that of HDL, the good cholesterol);

– lower serum levels of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL6);

– absolute increase in cardiorespiratory capacity (the more Metal, the greater the lung capacity!);

– reduction and better control of absolute systemic blood pressure values ​​(the more metal, the lower the chance of hypertension);

– Lower risk of strokes (the more metal, the lower the chance of strokes);

– improved glycemic control (the more metal, the lower the chance of developing type 2 diabetes);

– prevention against breast, colon, prostate, endometrial and pancreatic cancer. Data from observational studies suggest that intense physical activity decreases the relative risk of developing the disease, especially colorectal cancers (the more metal, the lower the chance of cancer);

– prevention and treatment of obesity. It is known that intense physical exercise, combined with correcting eating habits, is the best treatment for obesity (the more Metal, the less weight gain);

– Intense and regular physical activity is associated with increased bone mineral density (the more metal, the lower the chance of osteoporosis);

– greater ease in quitting smoking, especially nowadays, where all concert venues are, by law, smoke-free environments (the more Metal, the less cigarettes);

– Lower chance of gallstone formation (the more metal, the less cholelithiasis)

– Lower chance of developing neurodegenerative diseases (the more Metal, the less Senile Dementia and less Alzheimer's Disease);

– greater, better and more organized endogenous production of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins in general (the more Metal, the less depression, less anxiety and less stress. The more Metal, the better mood, greater concentration and better memory);

– improved restorative sleep (the more Metal, the less insomnia);

– Fewer episodes of headaches and migraines (the more Metal, the fewer headaches);

– less damage to blood vessels (the more metal, the less atherosclerosis);

– Reduction of systemic levels of superoxides/free radicals (the more metal, the greater the anti-aging effect);

– Lower susceptibility to opportunistic infections (the more Metal, the better the immunity)

The Pits are made up of headbangers who share the same heavy metal philosophy as you. Nobody there is your enemy

Like any physical activity, mosh pits and headbanging, when performed carelessly and without preparation, increase the risk of injury. Therefore, below are some tips to help you practice them safely:

– Don't enter a large mosh pit without prior experience. If a sedentary person, for example, decides to play in an official Brazilian championship soccer match, they will probably get injured in the first tackle. The same happens in Heavy Metal. Try starting in smaller circles with your closest friends. Gradually you will gain stamina and experience, and you will be able to attend the mosh pits at larger events;

– Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, especially cotton clothing that allows for adequate heat and water (sweat) wicking. Don't forget to tie your shoes securely;

Try not to get drunk, as this impairs your reflexes;

– Do not drink or smoke inside the Mosh Pit;

– Hydrate thoroughly before and after each Mosh practice;

– Move around a lot on the wheel, preferably in a circular or elliptical motion. Avoid standing still in the center of the pit;

– Mosh pits have a strong, aggressive, but not violent attitude. Don't join in with the intention of hurting someone, as this can have serious consequences. The pits are made up of headbangers who share the same heavy metal philosophy as you. Nobody there is your enemy;

Remove bracelets and necklaces that have metal tips;

– Do not wear glasses or backpacks in the middle of the mosh pits;

– When lifting someone, ask for help from other colleagues. The same applies to helping someone down. Remember that excess weight can cause musculoskeletal injuries

Respect and be careful with the women in the mosh pit. Remember that they have less physical strength than you;

– Women who attend these gatherings: be aware that you may be affected;

– If someone falls to the ground, protect them and alert the other headbangers around you. Afterwards, make sure they are not injured;

– Don't force the mosh pit with the headbangers who are lining the edges of the circle. If they're not in the middle, it's because they don't want to participate at that moment;

If you find someone else's wallet, ID, cell phone, etc., hold them up in the air and show them to everyone in the group. It's a matter of good manners!

Mosh pits are absolutely prohibited for individuals who have a relative or absolute contraindication to high-performance exercise (for example: patients using oral anticoagulants, those with dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, osteogenesis imperfecta, etc.).

Beyond the physical/biological benefits, the sociocultural advantages of Heavy Metal are undeniable, a style marked by tolerance, respect, and erudition. But that's a topic for another article…

Is there still any doubt about which is the best of all musical styles?

Hugs to all!

Juninho

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*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.

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