Beyond Limits: Cycling performance lab testing - and what you can do at home

As cyclists, we do testing for three reasons: to understand how we compare to others; to understand changes with ourselves as we train; and to set training intensity zones. But how is this testing best done?
In this episode of Beyond Limits, Allen Lim goes back into the CU Applied Exercise Science Laboratory where he earned his doctorate studying power meters.
CU student and collegiate criterium champion Anna Christian is in the lab to test three things:
-lactate threshold
-oxygen consumption for VO2 max
-oxygen consumption for economy
During the power-based testing, Allen and the CU team also ask Anna for her rating of perceived exertion, which is a key variable in terms of controlling training intensity.
"If we can give [riders] some perspective on how these variables relate to their own sense of feel, it makes training a little easier," Allen says.
Allen also explains how everyday riders can test themselves at home and on the road.
"The point is ultimately being vulnerable to where you are at any given point in time so you can make increments to get where you want to go," Allen says.
Beyond Limits is a VeloNews Voices project featuring Allen Lim, PhD. From his academic work on power meters beginning in 1997 until today, Dr. Allen Lim has been obsessed with improving a cyclist’s performance, on and off the bike. The founder of Skratch Labs has coached some of the world’s best cyclists, including most all the American grand tour contenders of the past 15 years. In Beyond Limits, Dr. Lim brings you inside the sport at the highest levels, showing its secrets, its humanity and its significance for everyday riders as we seek to improve.
See more videos and read Beyond Limits stories at www.velonews.c...
Beyond Limits is made possible by support from Skratch Labs and Saris.

[@AllenKrughoff]

Turned out great! Nice explanation Allen

[@Bogusuap]

Allen, you have a great personal style! Glasses the jacket looks great.

[@anthonyhomercycling]

I gotta be first !!!!

[@anthonyhomercycling]

I gotta be first !!!!

[@carlosflanders518]

Camerawork is all over the place. Making me dizzier than the rider at the end of a test. Didn't take in a single thing from this vid. Close to unwatchable.