We recently spent a interesting day at the University of Chichester – Sport Performance Unit. for some rider physiological profiling.
There’s a lot more to learn about your physiology than just knowing your FTP!
What is physiological profiling?
This is a physiological assessment that will provide us with an in depth analysis of your physiology with the primary goal of improving your performance.
The results of the testing allow us to take a scientific approach to training helping you to reach your full potential.
As part of this profiling two tests were performed:
-
Blood lactate profiling (via a sub maximal ramp test).
-
VO2 max test.
Why?
These two tests in combination can be an effective way to establish physiological strengths and weaknesses which can be extremely useful to help guide future training.
It is of course possible, without going to a Lab, to get a estimate of functional threshold power (FTP) via a straight forward maximum effort test on the road. Training zones can then be calculated from this power.
However, physiological profiling provides another level of detail and takes away some of the guess work by accurately identifying each riders specific response to exercise.
It also shows you how your physical attributes compare to your peers and to the best in the world and your suitability for different types of competitive events.
I like to use both road and Lab testing to provide the most insight as to whats going on inside.
This then allows for more precise and effective training and subsequently more fitness improvements.
Many thanks to Andy West for carrying out the tests for us.
Hard work, but definitely a useful day out.
Julia
