Due to obesity as a confounding issue, shouldn't alternative VO2MAX calculations be used in the context of health and longevity?
The traditional calculation "VO2MAX = Oxygen/body-weight" is called into question as the weight of the subject increases (https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/866329). When the increase includes substantial body fat (which has a much lower metabolic impact during exercise compared to muscle) the calculation becomes increasingly inaccurate and misleading. I personally have been frustrated as years of Zone2 work has been ineffective in increasing my VO2MAX, even though my resting heartbeat in the low fifties demonstrates that I'm in reasonably good shape. The issue is my body fat % is near 30%, so the VO2MAX calculation is taking into account a lot of metabolically inactive tissue (fat). Other VO2MAX calculations seem much more applicable for obese, older, and/or non-athlete subjects - e.g.: "VO2 max = 15.3 x (MHR/RHR)" and "VO2 max = 132.853 - (0.0769 x W) - (0.3877 x A) + (6.315 x G) - (3.2649 x T) - (0.1565 x H)" [Rockport Fitness Walking Test] Can Peter please help us understand if/when these alternative VO2MAX calculations should be used?
Strength training and high myopia
Hi, with high myopia, my eye doctor advised never to do any kind of heavy lifting and to forget about that because it can trigger retina detachment which is urgent state and I can lose my eyesight if surgery is not done within 3 days of symptoms (flashes, heavy floaters, etc). I already had preventive laser surgery on my left eye. Do you have any recommendation for training in that case (I used to run half marathons and ride a bicycle, but with small kid it is no yet possible)? Thanks
Cancer survivability and exercise
Hi: I have stage 4 colorectal cancer (metastic to lungs, liver and lymph nodes). 4 high status oncologists told me that I would be dead by (at latest) November 2016. I continue to chug on but I have noticed that my physical fitness has lately declined significantly probably due to being in bed too much while dealing with vomiting, diarrhea etc. I've learned to time these maladies and, per your podcasts, I've become acutely aware of the importance of maintaining fitness. Two questions: How do I get a VO2 test in the LA area as I think this makes a good metric. Secondly, do you have any advice in terms of getting back into a regular fitness routine given my circumstances. Prior to my illness I was a regular gym goer and had good cardiovascular fitness. I am 63 years old and I've been told that I have a remarkably strong survivor instinct and tolerance to pain etc. Any advice would be very appreciated.