Angling Fitness Part 9---Zone Two

  Several years ago while researching some information on youtube regarding nutrition and diet, I stumbled across a TedTalk by a gentleman named Dr. Peter Attia. The lecture was specifically about diabetes and metabolic disorders. I am not personally diabetic but have several friends who are, so the information piqued my interest enough to seek out other, more extended lectures from Mr. Attia. Not long after I watched the TedTalk, it just so happened that Peter was on the Joe Rogan podcast for a long form detailed interview. Among other things, Dr. Attia, per the description on his website "is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity". He is also a former ultra-endurance athlete, participating in both swimming and cycling. Since his TedTalk debuted, Peter has become quite the man about town, being featured on multiple platforms and podcasts, including Tim Ferris' show, a second feature on Joe Rogan, and Tom Bilyeu's show as well. In addition, he now hosts his own podcast called "The drive"

  The reason I bring up Dr. Attia on a website dedicated to fly fishing is that his emphasis on the importance of what is called Zone 2 aerobic exercise may be one of the most important chapters in this series on angling fitness. According to the Hudson Valley FUnctional MEdicine website, ZOne 2 can be defined as "Zone 2 training occurs when we perform a steady activity while maintaining a particular heart rate for longer periods of time, say 45 or 50 minutes, twice or three times a week. It can be accomplished while walking, rowing, swimming, or working out on an elliptical machine or stationary bike. It is NOT the 30-minute class with the instructor yelling at you through the screen and leaving you staggering."
The advantages and importance of Zone 2 are many. Primarily it builds the all-important aerobic base. But equally as important, it improves mitochondrial function AND fat metabolism. There are several ways of figuring out what "Zone 2" exercise is for any given individual which includes heart rate measurement, lactate testing. The easiest however is to simply observe if you are able to speak in full sentences without pausing WHILE exercising. If you find yourself having to pause every 3 or 4 words, you are probably in zone 3, and need to reduce the intensity.

So, I know you are asking yourself "Why the heck is Andy rambling on about zone 2 exercise on a fly fishing website?" BECAUSE WADE FISHING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME IN A RIVER OR ON AN OCEAN FLAT IS JUST ABOUT THE PERFECT ZONE 2 EXERCISE.

So, the next time you're significant other complains about you being gone on another fishing trip, just tell them that fishing is a perfect zone 2 exercise and that it is a vital activity for building an aerobic base, which in turn improves mitochondrial function and fat metabolism.

For more information on Zone 2 exercise, visit Dr. Attia's lecture on the subject below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txLrNhv8GW0

 Hope you're all staying safe and healthy

Andy