Are workouts accelerating my demise?

An orthopedic surgeon and radio show host provides insights

- STEVE LOPEZ COLUMNIST

GENARO MOLINA Los Angeles Times DR. ROBERT KLAPPER of Cedars-Sinai is the author of "Stop Exercising, You're Killing Yourself."

One day my left foot hurt for no good reason. I stood up to shake off the pain and tweaked my right Achilles tendon, so I headed for the medicine cabinet, bent over like an ape because of a stiff back.

Actually, I lied.

It wasn't one day. It's pretty much every day.

None of this is severe or serious, and I'm not complaining at the age of 72. I'm just wondering.

Are my exercise routines, which were meant to keep me from falling apart, slowing my demise, or accelerating it?

What better time than the start of a new year to get an answer? In one poll, the top New Year's resolution for 2026 is exercising more. Also among the top six resolutions are eating healthier, improving physical health and losing weight, so good luck to all you dreamers, and I hope you last longer than I have with similar resolutions.

Instead of a resolution, I have a goal, which is to find a sweet spot-if there is one-between exercise and pain.

Maybe I'm asking too much. I've had two partial knee replacements, I've got a torn posterior cruciate ligament, a scar tissue knob on a frayed Achilles tendon, a hideously pronated left foot, a right shoulder that feels like it needs an oil change, and a pacemaker that keeps on ticking.

But I decided to get some expert advice that might be useful for anyone who has entered this glorious phase of life in which it’s possible to pull a muscle while taking a nap, or pinch a nerve in your neck while brushing your teeth.

And I knew just whom to call.