Power meters are by no means perfect devices. A robust design with simple functionality has yet to be created in my opinion (although they are getting better); and they are expensive to boot. A power meter requires a level of technical and analytical aptitude that not every athlete will possess. However, if used to correctly, a power meter is a powerful tool that can increase training accuracy and facilitate a much higher level of post race or work out analysis. Utilizing a power meter within a multisport pacing strategy can give a tactical edge as well.

The EMT and VO2max test use similar equipment and test protocols, but the focus of the EMT is caloric utilization and specific physiological data points, rather than peak aerobic capacity. In fact, during an EMT, a test subject is only taken to approximately 85% of peak aerobic capacity, since higher exercise intensities do not yield much useful information acquired for the endurance athlete. But prior to the 85% intensity mark, several important variables are collected during the EMT, including:

A triathlete’s “VO2max” number lends itself to strong leverage for bragging rights in the endurance sports arena. If you know this number, which defines your maximum aerobic capacity, you can talk trash while hanging at the pool edge, chatting in spin class warm-up, or stretching on the track. Conveniently, your true athletic superiority can be answered not by race results, lap splits, or age-group rankings, but instead by a simple number that easily defines aerobic dominance.

Complexity sucks.

It doesn't matter whether it's a diet plan or a workout plan...

Have you ever been in a spin class - or walked by the spin bikes at the gym - and wondered if triathletes should use spin bikes, or ifspin bikes give you as good (or better) a workout as riding your tri bike outdoors? You’re about to find out in this comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of spin bikes vs. regular bikes.

Spin Bikes Are Different