Don’t Run, Says Doctor: Cycling May Slow Signs of Aging

A viral TikTok warning from a New York City plastic surgeon about running has sparked a public discussion about how exercise may affect aging. Dr. Gerald Imber, who specializes in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, told followers that excessive running could accelerate aging—from joints to the jawline. One clip quoting him has racked up more than 12 million views, with Imber saying, “Running feels great, that’s terrific, you get a high from it. [But] your knees go, your ankles go, your hip goes, your skin goes and your face sags.”

Imber’s central claim is not that running is inherently harmful, but that too much sustained running might hasten the visible and functional signs of aging for some people. He has argued that “long-distance, long-time” runners often display what he describes as a gaunt, aged look, and he has proposed cycling as a lower-impact alternative that provides similar cardio benefits without the same level of joint and facial stress. “Why don’t you just get on a bike and forget about running?” he asks in a separate video.

Cycling, as a low-impact aerobic exercise, is widely accessible and benefits overall fitness and heart health. Proponents point to riding’s ability to work major leg muscles, engage the core and improve balance, while sparing joints from the pounding associated with long runs. Some studies have linked regular cycling with a lower risk of developing osteoarthritis or knee pain by age 65, compared with those who do not bike. In addition to physical benefits, cycling may support brain health, cognitive function and mental well-being, and it can help prevent falls in older adults by improving balance and coordination.

Reaction to Imber’s take has been mixed. On social media, some users praised the warning as common-sense medical advice, while others criticized it as overly cautious or unfairly biased against runners. A sample of comments included, “Who am I to go against doctors orders? No running for me,” and “I’ve been running for 35 years and I believe it’s the fountain of youth! Bye bye, going for a run.” The conversation underscores that individual responses to exercise, aging, and cosmetic outcomes vary widely.

Outside experts acknowledged that while running offers clear health benefits, excessive high-intensity endurance running can, in some people, contribute to a leaner facial appearance as body fat declines with sustained training. Dr. Boris Paskhover, a facial plastics and reconstructive surgeon, told TODAY.com that very high levels of aerobic exercise can reduce facial fat, potentially creating a gaunt look. He also noted that aging skin produces less collagen and elastin over time, and cumulative sun exposure can accelerate those changes.

Imber himself has clarified that running is not universally harmful when kept in check. In another TikTok, he said, “It’s perfectly fine to run a little bit every day or run a couple of miles a few times a week. But no-impact or low-impact aerobics is really the way to get your exercise.” The broader message, he implied, is to balance goals for cardiovascular fitness with considerations about long-term aging and appearance.

Experts generally agree that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus strength training on two or more days per week. The health messaging around running versus cycling reflects a spectrum of recommendations rather than a universal prescription. For many people, the best approach may be to mix activities to reduce repetitive strain while maintaining cardiovascular health and mobility.

In practice, the choice between running and cycling—or a combination of both—depends on individual factors such as current fitness level, existing joint concerns, and personal goals. Some athletes find that alternating between running and cycling helps preserve bone density and joint health while maintaining endurance. Others may prefer cycling for longer periods due to its lower impact, easier recovery, and broader accessibility for people with knee or hip issues.

Recommendations from clinicians emphasize listening to the body and balancing long-term well-being with short-term performance. While Imber’s viral take highlights a potential aging signal linked to extreme endurance running, it does not negate the well-documented benefits of physical activity. Rather, it adds another layer of consideration for people who are curating a lifelong exercise routine that minimizes injury risk and supports healthy aging.

For those who gravitate toward cycling, the sport offers a pathway to sustained fitness across ages. The activity is accessible, scalable, and adaptable to different environments—from city streets to mountain trails. As with any exercise trend, individuals should consult with healthcare providers to tailor a plan suited to their health history and goals. The ongoing discussion around running’s aging effects and cycling’s protective profile underscores a broader truth in health: the best routine is one that a person can maintain safely and joyfully over the long term.

Ultimately, the conversation remains multidimensional. Running offers robust cardiovascular and metabolic benefits, supports weight management, and strengthens bones and muscles. Cycling provides those same advantages with a lower impact on joints and, for some, a more sustainable path to consistency. As public figures and medical experts continue to weigh in, individuals are encouraged to find a balanced routine that preserves health, mobility, and quality of life well into older age.