The Challenges
When Ben joined RAPID, he was already active—but he wasn’t recovering well, sleeping deeply, or seeing the strength and endurance improvements he expected. Chronic sleep disruptions, elevated inflammation, and a high global stress load were holding him back.
He wanted more than just short-term results—he wanted to increase his healthspan, feel stronger and more energized each day, and ensure his body could handle the intense physical demands of mountaineering.
Key Findings
RAPID’s initial Decode phase revealed several hidden physiological stressors affecting Ben’s performance, recovery, and metabolic efficiency:
- Elevated Monocytes (9%) → Inflammation and immune stress
- Fasting Glucose (98 mg/dL) → Suboptimal metabolic function
- Low Zinc (88 µg/dL) → Impaired recovery and immune resilience
- Low Glutathione (486 µmol/L) → Poor cellular defense against oxidative stress
- Low Omega-3 Index (3.8) → Higher cardiovascular and inflammatory risk
- Low CO₂ Tolerance (59s) → Decreased resilience to stress and hypoxia
The Program
Ben enrolled in Arétē, RAPID’s flagship optimization program. His personalized protocol included:
Comprehensive lab testing to uncover root-cause dysfunction
- A targeted supplement protocol based on nutrient deficiencies
- Nutrition coaching tailored for endurance, strength, and sleep support
- Custom strength & conditioning to build lower-body strength and enhance cardiovascular capacity
- Breathwork and CO₂ tolerance training to increase physiological resilience and altitude preparedness
- Stress and recovery coaching, including journaling and vision board practice for accountability
- Sleep optimization, including down-regulation breathwork and behavior strategies
- Weekly 1:1 coaching to review data, reinforce habits, and ensure progress toward goals
The Results
Ben’s consistent execution of his personalized plan produced meaningful shifts across performance, recovery, and internal health:
Strength & Conditioning
- Leg Press: Increased estimated 1RM from 434 lbs to pressing 600 lbs for reps
- Pull-Ups: Improved from 5 to 15 reps
Cardiovascular Performance
- Resting Heart Rate: Dropped from 62 bpm to 57 bpm
- VO₂max: Increased from 45.5 to 46.6 ml/kg/min
- CO₂ Tolerance: Improved from 59s to 74s
Sleep & Recovery
Subjective Scoring
- Energy and Physical Status: Improved from 6/10 to 9/10
- Reported feeling stronger, more focused, and with less pain throughout the day
Key Lab Improvements
| Marker |
Before |
After |
|
Monocytes
|
9%
|
6%
|
|
Glucose
|
98 mg/dL
|
86 mg/dL
|
|
Zinc
|
88 µg/dL
|
99 µg/dL
|
|
Glutathione
|
486 µmol/L
|
761 µmol/L
|
|
Omega-3 Index
|
3.8
|
7.7
|
Where He Is Now
Today, Ben is performing at a new level—stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for the mental and physical challenges of life and adventure. He is prepared to tackle his goals with optimized energy, strength, and recovery systems—and a greater understanding of how to sustain performance for the long haul.
