The real cause of arm pump?? Lactate threshold testing

John Wessling of Troll Training does a lactate threshold test with Alex Martin. Find out why this may be the cause of the dreaded arm pump issue so common in motocross.

[@rogergauthier2769]

You're the man Alex . Hope Jeremy is doing better, you dudes are animals ...

[@debower59]

I stepped off the bike for the most part 3 years ago and decided to start running at least a mile a day zone 2. Anything I did for training while I was racing more seriously was higher intensity and I struggled with arm pump terribly. Anytime I ride these days I don’t have near the issues I was with my arms and this confirms my hypothesis that just running roughly 15 min a day raised my lactate threshold and allows me to get warmed up on the bike without pumping right away.

[@AndyJostock]

Alex, you and Jeremy have always been a great part of dirt bike racing. I think it is wonderful even after retiring you are still contributing and still actively involved. Some of this work your are doing these days like this video could really help riders of the future to understand their body and how to make it work more efficiently and also maybe help prevent injury. Great job.

[@leroy_378]

This is amazing. Really enjoyed this side of it. Man I still wish Big Al was still out at pro motocross this year! Miss the dude & his moto vlogs

[@cmx2143]

Great video. Keep them coming!!!!

[@motodude45]

Nice experiment! I’ve started training at low intensity and seen tremendous benefit in my race pace. Good information in this video about lactate threshold. Arm pump isn’t exactly tied to lactate which is why you can be in the best shape and still get it.

[@jcluv4life]

Informative and interesting video, thank you.

[@johnfryman4428]

Always thought arm pump was from hanging on too hard and not using your legs to grip the bike while staying forward on bike.

[@johnwessling9372]

This is all true, and will factor big time into causing arm pump.

[@taylorshytle]

LOVED this video!! Thank you!! Alex what activity on your Garmin watch do you choose when you ride? I do cycling or eMTB, but I didn’t know if there was a better option for more accurate readings. When I ride my heart rate never leaves zone 5 😂

[@D.W.Wo_]

There is never a state in the metabolism where only fats are used. Carbs / glycogen is neccessary to metabolise fats. That is also why there is no 0.0mmol in Lactate during inactivity. Thats the minimum you should know when going through lactate strips :) Also an interesting information in a video for lactate Testing would be, which threshold modell you guys are using. all the best from Germany

[@jonathanginofilippi]

I remember the pain of riding now! All I can imagine is that you learn how to breathe on the track, so you can go faster, even while on the edge.

[@slydog4535]

My whole body gives up at the same time, so no arm pump for me

[@msaunders300]

Max 720p?

[@rfair123]

So what's the best pre-moto carbs?

[@greivinmonge539]

Subtítulos en español por favor

[@wideopenmx850]

What would you recommend for good zone 2 training other than running? Indoor cycling? Also how long should zone 2 durations be to see benefits?

[@taylorshytle]

I was wondering this as well!

[@TrollTraining]

Cycling, rowing, skiing and kayaking are all good options. I would aim for 30-60 minutes but even 20 minutes will be beneficial.

[@taylorshytle]

@@TrollTraining thank you a ton for your reply! What activity do you use on your garmin watch when you ride? I use cycling or eMTB and my heart rate never leaves zone 5 😮😂

[@RydenAround]

Always great to videos. I don't agree that the average rider can ride at a normal level with arm pump. Nope...

[@motron3453]

The issue of arm pump is that you loose so much feeling for the handlebar and grip, that it's too dangerous to continue riding. What I understood from this video is, that your body/arms is capable of riding with arm pump basically. But since you loose so much feeling in your arms you cannot ride properly anymore which makes you slow down.

[@iancarson8614]

hey alex, i do a lot of lactate testing as a cyclist. 1st off, lactate comes from using carbs as fuel anerobically. the lactate by product is then used in the mitochondria aerobically as fuel. lactate is also produced by the liver if you eat lots of fructose. there are a raft of errors in what your tester is saying. your base is not just below 2mmol. base is your lowest lactate level. "going anerobic" isn't really correct, in fact its wrong. carbs always starts off being anerobically metabolised, then ends aerobically. lactate is a gauge of hydrogen ions which are the enemy for the blood. arm pump is not a lactate in the blood thing.

[@pauldavies5541]

Agreed, these guys have a lot to learn from the running, triathlon and cycling crowd.

[@brentyancich]

I'm impressed by anyone who can run without pain after all the amatuer hours and pro career in moto . Cycling only for me 😂

[@jonathanginofilippi]

Thanks for all the finger pricks! So gross lol

[@pedrofernando176]

✌👍

[@phillipheitmann5830]

Well AL for future reference you don't have to just prick your fingers for the blood lol save ya your finger tips

[@trentweeks1071]

as you can tell 12 people said something

[@AutospeciLvAkumulatori]

Arm pump cause is more psychological, than physiological. Cramping the bars when not necesary is a reason.

[@trentweeks1071]

i thought this would be better but it sucked

[@trentweeks1071]

weakkkkkkk

[@lukekelly5115]

Lactate has almost zero to do with arm pump which is just transient compartment syndrome. This is borderline bro science lol.

[@juliodelvalle4296]

Care to add more information?

[@johnwessling9372]

Lactate may not directly cause arm pump, but having a high lactate means you’re exerting yourself, which leads to gripping a bit tighter and causing arm pump.

[@lukekelly5115]

@@johnwessling9372 no it doesn't lactate is a indicator of tissue perfusion you're heart/lungs could not be delivering enough oxygen and you could have no arms and your lactate would still be high lol

[@johnwessling9372]

@@lukekelly5115 Correct. Without arms though it would be hard to ride.