2% With Michael Easter

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.twopct.comIt’s the first Friday of the month. Which means it’s time for Burn the Ships, the internet’s best monthly group workout tradition. A couple of weeks ago, Two Percent featured two posts covering VO2 and how to determine your VO2 score at home for free (no lab-based, expensive testing involved).October’s Burn the Ships is inspired by what I learned reporting on VO2.* The workout will help you figure out where your endurance stands.* We’ve included a calculator so you can calculate how your performance in the workout equates to a VO2 score. This is good information for longevity.* You can return to this Burn the Ships to determine how your endurance grows or shrinks over time.To Burn the Ships with us, become a Member of Two Percent.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.twopct.comOn Monday, Michael covered microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are like air: All around us and within us. And they’re seemingly no good.Growing and troubling research suggests they’re linked to health issues like heart and brain disease and much more. But here’s some good news: There are simple ways to lessen the amount of microplastics you take in. We can seriously reduce the amount we and our families ingest. Perhaps even better news is that we don’t have to upend our lives and live like some back-to-the-land Earthers to lessen our load.In this episode, we’ll cover 10 high-impact, low effort ways to reduce your exposure to the next big health threat.

Microplastics are infiltrating our lives and health in alarming ways. A recent study found they are present in the hearts of patients, linking them to increased risks of serious cardiovascular issues. These tiny particles are everywhere—food, water, and even air. The podcast discusses their sources, how they enter our bodies, and their alarming association with diseases like heart and brain ailments. Practical advice for minimizing exposure is also provided, highlighting the challenges of avoiding them entirely.

Dive into the fascinating debate on plant versus animal protein and discover what the latest research says about their nutritional impacts. Learn practical tips for optimizing your protein intake based on your fitness goals. Explore the powerful role of caffeine as a performance enhancer and how to use it effectively around workouts. Finally, find out alternative ways to assess your VO2 levels without running, ensuring your fitness monitoring seamlessly fits into your routine.

Discover the fascinating link between VO₂ max, athletic performance, and longevity. Learn why many seek lab tests for VO₂ max, but often don't need to. Hear a personal tale of a challenging testing experience and explore simpler, less invasive alternatives for evaluating your aerobic fitness. Uncover the common misconceptions around VO₂ max and how you can assess your fitness without the hassle of traditional methods.

Kyler Brown, an expert from WellSport and 10Squared, joins to shed light on the often-overlooked importance of ankle strength. He discusses how ankle sprains are a common yet debilitating issue for athletes. Brown introduces three key exercises designed to bulletproof your ankles, emphasizing the long-term impacts of these injuries. The conversation also highlights the role of targeted stiffness exercises in enhancing performance and preventing chronic problems. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips!

Dive into health insights with fascinating stats on ultraprocessed foods and their diabetes risks. Discover if weekend warrior workouts really count and learn about the perks of strength training for metabolism. Get the lowdown on heavy metals in tampons and what safety stats say about plane crashes. Plus, explore the potential benefits of marijuana and the effectiveness of DEXA scans for body fat measurement. Wrap it all up with a powerful quote about performance that you won’t want to miss!

Michael, a health expert, delves into the intricate relationship between muscle mass, strength, and overall health. He challenges common gym culture notions, revealing how much muscle is truly beneficial for well-being. Discover the nuances of BMI and whether extra weight from muscle can still be healthy. He discusses how strength impacts longevity and when muscle-building crosses into excess. This conversation sheds light on making informed decisions about fitness and health with a historical perspective.

Dive into the complex world of Body Mass Index (BMI) as its validity faces scrutiny. Discover where BMI originated and why it's still relevant despite criticism. Learn about the potential biases in BMI calculations and whether it can be deemed racist. The discussion challenges conventional views while exploring alternatives and the significance of understanding individual health metrics better. Gain insights on making informed health decisions and the pop media dynamics surrounding BMI controversies.

Michael, an avid trail runner with years of shoe-testing under his belt, shares his insightful journey through the world of trail running footwear. He discusses the fine line between useful gear and unnecessary stuff in today's consumer landscape. After trying around 25 pairs, he highlights his top four picks across categories like best overall and best cushioned. Michael explains how trail runners can benefit not only runners but also hikers, providing a lighter alternative to traditional boots without sacrificing support or grip.