Running is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay active. It requires no special equipment, no expensive gym membership, and can be done almost anywhere. Most doctors agree that even a light jog each day can help improve overall health. So it is no surprise that running has always been seen as a good thing for the body and mind. However, one plastic surgeon in New York recently challenged that idea and stirred up a storm online. In a viral video, the New York doctor boldly claimed that people should stop running because it is “not good for you.” According to him, running can damage your knees, ankles, and hips. But what really caught people’s attention was his claim that running can also harm your skin and even make your face sag.
He went on to say that the impact of running, the constant pounding motion, could also make people shorter over time. He suggested that the repetitive stress of running compresses the body, affecting posture and height. Instead of running, the surgeon recommended biking as a safer and healthier form of exercise.
To be fair, he did not say that people should stop exercising altogether. His main issue seemed to be with running specifically. Still, his claims quickly spread across social media, where thousands of users mocked and questioned his reasoning.
Many people were skeptical. “I’d like to see the studies on this,” one user wrote. Others accused the New York plastic surgeon of spreading misinformation to push his own cosmetic agenda. “This guy is a plastic surgeon trying to sell procedures by saying running outside makes your skin bad,” another commenter said. “He sounds ridiculous in every one of his TikToks. Don’t listen to this guy; just wear sunscreen, learn proper running form, and buy good shoes.”
Not everyone disagreed completely, though. A few users pointed out that running can indeed cause joint issues if done improperly or excessively. One commenter shared, “My dad ran every day from ages 25 to 40, and it really messed up his knees. The doctor may be dramatic, but biking is definitely easier on your joints.”
Another user added, “Running is fine if you do it on the right surface. The problem is people go from sitting all day at work to running on hard concrete. That’s where injuries happen. Power walking or biking might actually be better for some.”
