effectively exercising at altitude?

[BenThom-Wood]

I’ve had this theory for a while now but bear with me.

beta blockers restrict the heart rate & blood pressure which in turn means less oxygen is pumped around my body.

This (to me) is akin to training at altitude. Which means my body should be putting more muscle into itself (relative to a non beta blocker user?).

My exercises therefore should be better for me in terms of muscle development?

I admit perhaps, the only time I’ll see the benefit of this is when I stop taking these beta blockers?

[Wooodsie]

It is an interesting theory BenThom-Wood. I would theorise that you can exercise harder and longer if your heart rate is being subdued. I exercise quite a lot without fatigue and don't get breathless while running. But walking up a hill is another story, perhaps it is too high 🤔😂😂

It will be interesting to see if you get a definitive answer. Steve

[BenThom-Wood in reply to Wooodsie]

thanks Wooodsie , I was once told that we use different muscles when walking upstairs than walking on the flat. I find that a little hard but I admit to being breathless when I walk up the stairs. Even now.

[fishonabike]

interesting theory - you might want to run it past an exercise physiologist

yes the terrible pun was intended!

[BenThom-Wood in reply to fishonabike]

yeah fishonabike , I’m slowly getting heavier these days. I’m currently back up to 140.5kg & I still bicycle & swim in good times. I’m on statins so I don’t think it’s all fat. My leg muscles are gorgeous! I fill my jeans!

[EMBoy]

Athletes who train at altitude increase their haematocrit to compensate for the lower oxygen levels, but I don't know if they put on more muscle. An interesting theory though.

[BenThom-Wood in reply to EMBoy]

ah, that’s interesting EMBoy , something to research there. Thanks.