Our Perspective on Human Performance
My previous post on Terrain’ing briefly explores the use of available terrain for effective physiological performance training, ideal for mountainous events on the continent. Exposure to intensities for durations long enough to stress that part of the physiological spectrum is key for improving and becoming ‘better’ and faster over the course. Essentially, frequency and sequence […]
As a member of BASES looking to gain accreditation as a Chartered Scientist in Sports and Exercise Science I am obliged to follow the code of conduct which is formed around World Medical Association guidelines for conducting scientific experimentation on human volunteers and subjects enrolled into novel investigation for the purposes of scientific progression. Even […]
Finishing a long season of training and racing usually means that we have taken our body to endurance extremes compared to more sedentary individuals. Stressing our muscles and cardio-respiratory system week in, week out can take its toll. So that we remain fresh and strong to start the virtuous training cycle again, we need to change our […]
I have previously described the three primary independent factors which dictate endurance cycling performance which are known to applied exercise physiologists…. 1. Gross cycling efficiency – the ability to use oxygen and convert fuel (carbs/fats/ protein etc) to energy in the muscles and is dictated by individual expression of specific metabolic enzymes which control […]
I have highlighted the advantages and benefits of lactate threshold profiling for directing a structured training programme throughout this website. However, I haven’t had much time to emphasise the value of conducting regular Critical Power tests to support peak power output and interval training sessions. As most cyclists will only have a restricted expendable training […]
VO2max testing has long been regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’ and ultimate physiological measurement in many types of endurance sport. Even though this performance parameter is seen as the holy grail in sports performance, the numbers are unreliable and have very little value for helping an athlete wishing to progress in training. This might sound […]
Why the confusion? Up until recently, the name ‘lactic acid’ has been the subject of much confusion in sports science, and for good reason. Measurements taken during studies designed to understand the onset of fatigue and exhaustion in athletes performing maximal exercise had previously and wrongly associated ‘lactic acid’ with the abrupt fatigue at intensities […]
