What can a Tour de France Champion tell us about Human Physiology?

Quite a lot actually. The Tour de France is the ultimate test of human power, speed, and endurance. Greg LeMond was genetically gifted with a superior metabolism; his VO2 max was one of the highest ever recorded. But being a three time Tour winner and three time World Champion did not come easily. Along the way LeMond recovered from a devastating shotgun injury to win again, only to acquire a lead-induced mitochondrial myopathy that would force his early retirement from racing. Greg LeMond has teamed with Dr. Mark Hom, to write a revolutionary fitness book based on the biology of mitochondria, the energy generators in each of our cells. This will be the first practical fitness book to explain human performance at the cellular and subcellular levels. Due to the numerous implications in physical performance, health, aging, and disease prevention, this unique new book will appeal to athletes, trainers, physiologists, biologists, students, and clinicians.

Both authors were dissatisfied with the current state of fitness books, which only scratch the surface and are at best merely pseudoscientific. Although the two authors have different perspectives (one a world class athlete and the other a physician), both feel the need for a book that can explain the science behind fitness to athletes and the general public. Our book is a condensation of the current knowledge in exercise physiology, yet easy to read, and backed by over 240 scientific literature references. It’s what the modern athlete needs to know.

The Science of Fitness: Power, Performance, and Endurance explains physical fitness as a whole body process at the organ system level, then delves deeper into the cellular and subcellular levels to show how athletes derive their power from the powerhouses of their cells, the mitochondria. It explains the biology behind nutrition, hydration, toxicity, and physical training like no other previous fitness book, using clear language that is easy to follow. Mitochondria are at the center of health and vitality and also central to disease prevention and the aging process. This cell-based approach will help bridge the gap between biology and exercise fitness and provide a unique yet very practical perspective on human performance. The Science of Fitness gives competitive and elite athletes an edge in achieving natural optimal performance, while also helping recreational athletes who want to improve fitness. It is of great benefit to all wanting to improve overall health and vitality. By learning the science of fitness, you will understand why training makes your body more energized and powerful.

The Science of Fitness explains why fitness is a biologic process. Fitness is built one cell at a time. The major theme is that mitochondria are the basis of physical training. They generate human energy, increase with exercise, and diminish with inactivity. Our book gives a detailed explanation of exactly how frequent and strenuous exercise improves fitness, builds muscle, burns fat, maintains health, and slows the aging process. Nutrition and hydration are explained at the cellular and molecular levels, including super foods that are great for you, and unhealthy foods you should avoid. We devote a chapter to avoiding toxicity and another chapter to how exercise strengthens the mind. There are many genetic and acquired diseases associated with mitochondria and we include Greg LeMond as a case study: what it takes to win the Tour de France, how to train like a champion, to being diagnosed with mitochondrial myopathy. The Science of Fitness will empower readers to reach their full potential.

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Further reading:

• Slowing the Aging Process
• Greg LeMond’s Tips to Improve Climbing and Endurance
• Hill climbing training