Elite Bodies

meguro · 08-02-2008, 05:21 PM

I thought this slide show of Olympic athletes was interesting. Bodies of Work.
It got me wondering what the vital statistics of elite Kyokushin karateka are, and what vital stats are relevent to karate. I noticed that the 200 meter sprinter had a not too impressive resting heart rate-compared to the marathoner and cyclist- but his bench and squat numbers were more than respectable. The female weightlifter couldn't bench press as much as I thought she'd be capable of, but her squat numbers indicate she could probably heft our refrigerator with no problem.

I have no idea what my maximum bench or squat would be, nor do I have the means to calculate Vo2 max. My digital scale says I'm 69 kg at 15% bodyfat. My resting heart rate is 56 bpm and I'll be 45 this month. Elite and karateka would never be used in the same sentence to describe me, unless followed by "not!"

**Brad** · 08-02-2008, 10:34 PM

osu.

Thats not an bad effort for 45 osu. Happy birthday for when it does come also Osu.

Dent · 08-03-2008, 05:15 AM

Osu!

Some very sport specific looking folk in those pictures, Meguro.

And if I may echo Brad, "Happy Birthday!" for later this month!

Osu!

**Brad** · 08-03-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dent

Osu!

Some very sport specific looking folk in those pictures, Meguro.

And if I may echo Brad, "Happy Birthday!" for later this month!

Osu!

Osu.

Dent. You can echo me any time.

Dent · 08-03-2008, 01:07 PM

Osu!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

Osu.

Dent. You can echo me any time.

Thank you, Brad!

Osu!

meguro · 08-03-2008, 02:04 PM

Osu! Thanks guys. I wasn't fishing for compliments or birthday wishes (still appreciated, however

) I just wanted to start the ball rolling to see where we as a group stand. Part of my motivation is from observing my folks and other seniors who come from a less sporty oriented lifestyle. It takes a lot of pills to keep the sedentary generation alive. I'm concerned about cardiac health (bp, heart rate) and what combination of strength and endurance is ideal for knockdown and longevity.

If folks want to post their stats, it might demonstrate that we are a healthier bunch than the general population or smack in the middle.

**Paedde** · 08-04-2008, 10:13 AM

Osu

my RHR (Resting Heart Rate) is 48 and the other stats are fine (I can look them up when I'm at home).

I've no idea where this low RHR comes from because I'm only training for a year now, but I guess it's the sometimes 2.5 hours long training which is paying of. But I really have to work for some anaerobic conditioning now, that's way behind

meguro, I think a low RHR is not required for knockdown (at least not as much as for other sports), but you need great anaerobic conditioning to go full power in the short rounds. You also want to recover as fast as possible between rounds (Important if it's a tournament).

Osu

meguro · 08-04-2008, 03:32 PM

Osu! Paedde, 48bpm is great. Can you tell me a little bit about your training?

I agree with you that low rhr is not required for knockdown. The 200m sprinter and the 2k rower, both anaerobic athletes, had rhr above 50bmp. Quick recovery is what is required for knockdown, which is why a good portion of my training in high intensity interval. My interest in low rhr is for the days when knockdown is a fond memory.

I have the impression that longevity is correlated with low rhr (not related to poor health). I could be wrong in this. If anyone has the details, please inform.

**Paedde** · 08-04-2008, 03:46 PM

Osu meguro

I never did more noteable aerobic training beside long kyokushin sessions. I guess it that low because I'm only 66kg/184cm and so there's not that much bodymass to supply

My aerobic endurance is good I think, so I don't think it's something wrong (Also had recently a checkup), I can grapple 3 hours in BJJ (5min rounds) without problems. I can't explain that because I never did sports before I started kyokushin.

There could be a correlation between low RHR and longevity, do you know about any studies about that subject?

Osu

meguro · 08-04-2008, 04:51 PM

Osu! Paedde, This article calims that low RHR is correlated to longevity. It's a bit technical and I admit skimming briefly through it and speeding to the conclusion. I think I'll be incorporating some lsd training in between hiit days.

**Paedde** · 08-05-2008, 07:41 AM

Thanks for the article meguro.

Osu

Dent · 08-05-2008, 01:50 PM

Osu!

Thanks for the article, Meguro. I think your RHR is right in the zone for a nice long life.

I'm not sure that the RHR is more than an indicator though. To get the best results, we need to engage in the behaviors that are also designed to lengthen our lifespan.

Osu!

meguro · 08-05-2008, 02:36 PM

Osu! Paedde. Dent, I agree. RHR is merely an indicator. If it creeps up, I'll take it as a sign that I haven't been doing enough burpees.

**Paedde** · 08-05-2008, 02:43 PM

Osu Dent

I think if it's an indicator or not, when you get your RHR down you (most likely) are doing the right thing for a longer lifespan.

I think proper nutrition and excercise (mental and physical) are important. If it's true, I'll see in the future.

Osu

Dent · 08-05-2008, 02:47 PM

Osu!

Quote:

Originally Posted by meguro

Osu! Paedde. Dent, I agree. RHR is merely an indicator. If it creeps up, I'll take it as a sign that I haven't been doing enough burpees.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paedde

Osu Dent

I think if it's an indicator or not, when you get your RHR down you (most likely) are doing the right thing for a longer lifespan.

I think proper nutrition and excercise (mental and physical) are important. If it's true, I'll see in the future.

Osu

And here's hoping we don't get hit by a truck!

Osu!