Friday, November 30, 2007

Performance Baseline Testing

In addition to Coaching, Todd Wiley and I perform Performance Baseline Testing on the bike. This includes: Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP) Test, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) Test, and Cadence Test.
The MAP Test determines an athletes Max HR, Lactate Threshold Heartrate and Critical Power. Along with the MAP Test, we conduct what is called a "Tmax" Test which identifies the athletes duration at Critical Power. This data is then useful in setting up not only Heart Rate Training Zones, but High Intensity Training (HIT) Intervals as well.
The FTP Test determines the approximate average max power that an athlete can sustain for one hour. Instead of conducting a 1 hr. test, we conduct a 20 min. test and subtract 5% from this value. Power Training Levels are then derived from FTP Test results. Approximate HR Training Levels are also derived.
The Cadence Test determines "optimum" cadence on the bike to confirm whether the athletes self-selected cadence is optimal.
Each of these tests cost $75. The FTP Tests should be run monthly to determine fitness gains and determine whether the athltetes Training Plan is working. There are multiple FTP Test discounts.

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