Zone 2 and the Upper Body
Brief Question - Are the Zone 2 benefits specific to the muscle groups predominantly used? Does Zone 2 exercise involving predominantly the legs (cycling, running, etc.) also increase the mitochondrial function of the mitochondria in the forearms, upper back, biceps, etc.? Explanation - I'm a dedicated rock climber and would be much more likely to consistently do Zone 2 exercise if it was tied to making me a better rock climber. Traditionally I've just done walking, because hiking through the mountains is somewhat sport specific to rock climbing outside. However, I'm unsure if I can reach zone 2 walking, especially around town during the winter, and am trying to figure out the best way to make any Zone 2 I would do specific to my particular sport. Thanks Peter et al. -
PCSK-9 inhibitors lack of response
Hi Peter and team - you've alluded on prior podcasts to seeing some patients not achieve 50 or lower LDL levels using Repatha etc. Can you elaborate? Have you seen patients also start out with a great response - super low LDL - and then have that benefit recede over a year or two? If like so many one is statin intolerant, this class of drugs is SO critical to eradicating atherosclerosis, but they don't always work! Curious to hear more about your clinical experience here.
Assessment Mineral supplementation and Vitamins in blood test
Is the mineral content in blood by lab test is useful to asses mineral supplementation, such as Calcium, Magnesium, etc? particular example will be if my Ca and Mg its ok in the blood, then if take supplements, I will not see the benefit for BMD in osteopenia or osteoporosis. Same case for Vitamin D.
Zone 2 and blood lactate in athletes
Just getting to the zone 2 lecture and the Q/A as a new member. Have been lifelong distance runner since age 15, through D1 College, and continued racing through age 35, then moved to ironman. First 12 years at ironman qualifying for Kona each consecutive year. Just some background, my lactate threshold age 40 (9:11 ironman) was measured, 275 watts on bike with my ironman bike ave watts at 220. Last measured age 54 was 250 with ave watts in ironman of 195. Now age 58 and your Z2 lecture intrigued me so I am back to measuring lactate. My (cycling) zone 2/3 junction is 185 watts as measured on protocol. So, cycling on wahoo and using a backup crank based power meter, at 30 minutes 170W my lactate was 2.5 mmol. Backing off to 155W 15 min later, lactate 2.5 mmol. During this time, feel fine like a low Z2 (cycling zone) spin. 1 hour after spin, resting lactate 1.7 mmol. 24 hour later, waking lactate 1.6mmol. Basis of my question is if my resting morning lactate is 1.6 mmol, it seems even very low 125w spin would bump that over 2.0, given 2.7 mmol at 155W the day prior. Is it possible that a "normal" blood lactate for me could be 1.5 - 1.6 and thus "my zone 2" may in fact be above 2 mmol? Can life-long endurance athletes (me 45 years) perform sustained long works with blood lactates at 3-4 mmol? Sustained meaning 5 hours bike, marathon etc. Is the 2mmol value of Z2 as strict as it would seem by listening to your Q/A?