Article says: Weight lifting better for heart health than running
The key quote from the article's 2nd paragraph is "... static activities such as weight lifting or press-ups have a greater effect than an equivalent amount of dynamic exercise such as running, walking or cycling.'
Equivalent amount. So sure, if you can do pushups for 40 minutes, go for it. I'll walk or ride the bike, I think. And I'll do pushups at other times, to serve other goals besides maintenance and mental clarity and stress relief, as part of a mostly well-rounded program that works for me.
Running is definitely overdone by lots of people. Overuse injuries and weakening of certain muscle groups (quads, etc.) are obvious downsides. But people who love running -- I used to be one -- are usually addicted to it for the endorphins, and consequences be damned. They could choose other things to do that would benefit their health in ways we can see, but from their perspective, this works for them and in fact most runners love it and would never, ever give it up until they are forced to.
Walking and biking are different, I think. Far easier on the joints. More fun and enjoyable. Easier and therefore more likely folks will keep doing them. Big emotional and mental benefits. Great sleep at night. Something you can do into old age. Good thinking time. People should do both of them as much as possible, whatever other exercise they may be doing, especially as they age.
The point here is that maintenance exercise serves different goals than HIIT and an hour of calisthentics and deadlifts, and those goals are still worthwhile, either as part of a larger more ambitious program, or by themselves. Anything is better than nothing.
Over the years I have found that the best approach to exercise is to find something you will keep doing because it works for you. Doing several things is better, of course, but even doing one thing is better than sitting on the couch. Everything after that is details.
via Maggies Farm