Over the past two decades, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) has become the cornerstone for determining training intensities and tracking performance progression in cycling, triathlon and endurance sports. At its core, FTP is an attempt to approximate the physiological phenomena of the maximal lactate steady state, which is usually derived from a lactate profile test.
The appeal and widespread usage of FTP is grounded in its simplicity: unlike laboratory-based lactate or gas exchange tests, it can be established with a relatively straightforward field test, making it widely accessible to cyclists and runners and their coaches. This ease of measurement – only using a powermeter or GPS device – has fueled its widespread adoption, turning FTP into a central reference point in cycling and running training to monitor and benchmark performance development during a training process, but most importantly to create training zones.
The latter has become so deeply ingrained in some endurance sports that they are rarely questioned. The widespread acceptance of FTP based training intensity zones has led to a situation where athletes and coaches take them as a given, often without considering their limitations or whether they truly lead to the most efficient training possible.
Want a quick, clear explanation of why a training zone based on FTP can backfire for Zone 2? Watch our short video below. Once you’ve watched, continue below to see how this plays out in real athlete examples and learn about a smarter alternative to the one-size-fits-all FTP method.
Now, let’s dive deeper.
The widespread acceptance of FTP has led to the development of standardized training zones, primarily based on the zones given by Allen, Coggan, and McGregor in their 2019 Book “Training and Racing with a powermeter”. These zones segment intensity levels based on percentages of FTP, providing a structured way to guide workouts and monitor effort. While different models exist, the most commonly used system divides training into the following zones:
These zones provide structure, making training plans easier to design and to follow. However, their dominance is not just a minor limitation—it represents a significant barrier to progress. By assuming that a default set of percentages of an FTP value makes universally applicable training zones, this method of %FTP overlooks a crucial reality: athletes’ physiology is unique, and therefore their training has to be too.
Two athletes with identical FTP values will – in almost all cases – differ drastically in their metabolism and physiological conditions when exercising above or below FTP. Athletes with different metabolic profiles demand different training intensities to improve performance, yet they are often confined to the same rigid zones. This is not just outdated thinking—it’s a fundamental flaw.
In this article, we’ll focus only on the shortcomings of Zone 2, where many athletes rely on a generic FTP percentage to guide their endurance training.
To understand why FTP has limitations, it’s important to examine its origins. In the 1980s, physiologists identified the concept of the maximum lactate steady state (MLSS). Incremental tests with lactate sampling became a widely used method to approximate this physiological marker, known as the anaerobic threshold. Lactate testing provided a direct insight into an athlete’s endurance capabilities, making it a valuable tool for training prescription.
However, with the rise of power meters—especially in regions like the USA where lactate testing was less common—coaches and athletes sought an alternative. The solution? A proxy of a proxy. Since lactate threshold testing wasn’t widely accessible, Functional Threshold Power was introduced as a practical substitute, estimating threshold performance based on power output rather than direct metabolic measurement.
The term “functional” itself was a recognition that FTP does not represent a true physiological value but rather an approximation of performance. For an athlete however, it isn’t relevant if the functional threshold power is an accurate proxy of a lactate threshold or maximum lactate steady state. The real issue for an athlete lies in something else…
Most training plans assume that every athlete responds similarly within FTP’s predefined endurance zone. In reality, e.g. fuel utilization is highly individual—at a given % of their FTP, some athletes operate at or below their maximum fat combustion rate, while another athlete will be training significantly above their FatMax zone.
The mismatch between standardized FTP zones and real physiology results in inefficient training prescriptions.
In order to prove this point and make it tangible, we use two example athletes who are not exceptional in their physiology but represent typical endurance athlete profiles. We will examine the most common training set defined by FTP-based zones for Zone 2:
Zone 2 (Endurance) Training: steady pace for >1h, focusing on aerobic metabolism
Here are the two athletes we are going to use to prove the point. For the sake of simplicity we used cycling as a sport, but the example below apply also to running and triathlon as you are going to see:
|
Metric
|
Athlete A
|
Athlete B
|
|---|---|---|
|
Body Weight
|
70 kg
|
70 kg
|
|
FTP
|
270W
|
260W
|
|
VO2max
|
66 mL/kg/min
|
54 mL/kg/min
|
|
VLamax
|
0.75 mmol/L/s
|
0.30 mmol/L/s
|
With these two example athlete profiles in mind, let’s see what FTP-based Zone 2 training does to them.
Zone 2 training is primarily aimed at improving aerobic capacity and optimizing fat metabolism while keeping carbohydrate combustion in check. Its relatively low intensity allows athletes to accumulate high training volumes without excessive fatigue, making it a fundamental component of endurance training.
A key aspect of Zone 2 is training at or near FatMax, the intensity at which fat oxidation reaches its peak. Scientific research has shown that training at FatMax not only reduces body fat but also enhances aerobic capacity. The likely mechanism behind this is that fat combustion requires more oxygen than carbohydrate combustion, leading to an elevated oxygen uptake during training. Over time, this may improve training efficiency by increasing mitochondrial density and enhancing the body’s ability to utilize oxygen.
Another critical function of Zone 2 training is managing carbohydrate consumption. Since endurance athletes often train for several hours, keeping carbohydrate utilization low during these sessions helps preserve glycogen stores. This is especially important in the broader context of a weekly training schedule, where Zone 2 rides are often followed by or precede high-intensity interval sessions.
Maintaining glycogen availability reduces the risk of bonking, supports recovery, and helps prevent excessive fatigue that could lead to illness or overtraining. By carefully balancing fat and carbohydrate metabolism, Zone 2 training not only enhances endurance performance but also ensures athletes remain adequately fueled for subsequent training sessions.
Now, let’s look at what happens when two athletes train in Zone 2, defined here as 70% of FTP. Athlete A and Athlete B have similar FTP values—270W and 260W, respectively—but their physiological responses to this intensity are vastly different.
At 70% of FTP (189W), Athlete A is utilizing 49% of his VO2max, which is relatively low in terms of aerobic stimulus. More critically, he is burning 84g of carbohydrates per hour. Given that the body can only substitute around 60–90g per hour through oral intake (with 90g being the upper limit requiring specific gut training), this means that Athlete A is very likely operating in a carbohydrate deficit.
If he started the session with anything less than fully replenished glycogen stores, this could negatively impact the session itself. And even if he gets through the workout, the depletion could compromise subsequent high-intensity training, increasing the risk of under-recovery, illness, or suboptimal performance in the following days. Furthermore, his FatMax intensity is 10% lower than 189W, meaning that instead of maximizing fat metabolism—the primary goal of Zone 2—he is missing the intended adaptation altogether.
In contrast, Athlete B, training at 182W (70% of his 260W FTP), has a very different metabolic response. He is working at 58% of his VO2max, meaning he is likely receiving a better aerobic stimulus. More importantly, he burns only 64g of carbohydrates per hour, which is much easier to keep in check with normal fueling strategies. Even better, 182W aligns almost perfectly with his FatMax intensity, meaning he is actually hitting the primary target of Zone 2 training: maximizing fat oxidation while keeping carbohydrate depletion in check.
This stark contrast highlights a fundamental flaw in prescribing training intensity solely based on FTP. Both athletes are following the same “Zone 2” prescription, yet only one of them is truly getting the intended benefits. Athlete A is missing FatMax, burning through glycogen reserves, and potentially compromising future training sessions. Athlete B, on the other hand, is nailing the session.
This is not just a theoretical problem—it has real consequences. Endurance athletes dedicate countless hours to Zone 2 training, often sacrificing time with family, work, and other commitments. The problem is not that they need to train more—but that they need to train smarter. Increasing the training effect wouldn’t cost more time or effort—it would simply require dialing in intensity correctly.
Everything analyzed above about Zone 2 Training reveals the fundamental flaw in FTP-based training zones. It’s not just that maximum aerobic and anaerobic power (VO2max and VLamax) need to be considered separately—the deeper issue is why FTP-based training zones fail in the first place:
FTP is not a metabolic entity like VO2max, FatMax, or VLamax. It is simply an intensity marker, a power output that an athlete can sustain for a certain duration. There is no relation between a fixed percentage FTP and these metabolic systems you actually try to improve by training. Yet, training zones based on FTP assume that a fixed percentage of FTP can accurately determine the right intensity to target specific physiological adaptations.
But when we talk about the actual goals of training, we are never aiming to improve FTP itself. Instead, we are working to:
The problem is clear: We are prescribing training not based on the actual physiological systems we want to improve, but rather by extrapolating from FTP, which has no direct link to any of these systems. And that is exactly why FTP-based training fails to deliver optimal results in zone 2. …except if you are lucky and in your current state of training the % of FTP matches your Fatmax zone. But don’t rely on this, because when your performance improves by training the fixed percentage won’t be accurate anymore and then your training isn’t spot on efficient anymore. And then you stop progressing. Sounds familiar?
If FTP is not the right anchor for Zone 2 intensity, what is? Instead of extrapolating training zones up and down from FTP, we should set training intensities directly based on the physiological targets we want to improve.
Zone 2 → Prescribe Based on FatMax
By doing so, we are not guessing—we are targeting the adaptation we want: maximizing fat metabolism and controlling carbohydrate burn.
So far, we have identified the problem—FTP-based training zones fail because they extrapolate intensity rather than prescribing it based on the actual physiological systems we want to improve in Zone 2. We have also outlined the solution—training intensity in Zone 2 should be individualized based on FatMax and real carbohydrate/fat usage data, ensuring that each session is driving the intended adaptation.
But how can this actually be done in practice?
This is where INSCYD provides the technical solution—allowing athletes and coaches to move beyond FTP and get a complete 360° athlete performance analysis.
INSCYD enables coaches to build a complete metabolic profile of an athlete using simple power-based (cycling) or GPS-based (running) field tests—no metabolic cart required.
These tests, which involve a series of short all-out efforts, deliver insights far beyond FTP. INSCYD also supports field- or lab-based lactate testing, offering multiple ways to collect data based on what’s available.
With INSCYD, coaches and athletes gain access to the key physiological metrics that actually determine performance:
… and many more metabolic insights.
However, INSCYD does not just analyze an athlete’s physiology—it allows coaches to apply this knowledge to training prescriptions.
With INSCYD, you can:
This completely solves the problem of ineffective training zones or, worse, training in zones that actively work against an athlete’s goals. With INSCYD, athletes and coaches no longer have to guess—they can train with precision and ensure that every session is optimized for progress
For years, athletes and coaches have relied on FTP-based zones, unaware that they were working with an incomplete system. How many hours have been wasted ot training at the most efficient intensity. How many athletes and coaches have scratched their heads asking why performance plateaus?
INSCYD changes that. By providing a complete, holistic metabolic profile and allowing training zones to be set based on real physiological responses, INSCYD makes training more effective, individualized, and goal-oriented.
This is the future of endurance training: no more one-size-fits-all training zones—just science-backed, physiology-driven performance optimization.
🚀 The choice is clear: Keep guessing with FTP, or train with precision using INSCYD.
Ready to begin? If you’re not yet using INSCYD, book a free demo to take the first step toward integrating physiology-based training into your performance testing and coaching.
If you’re already an INSCYD user, you can try the Recovery Index for free.
And if you’re an athlete, find an INSCYD-certified coach or lab to get your Recovery Index.
Stop guessing training intensity. Start using real physiological data to individualize your athlete’s training and drive consistent progress.
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Christoph Strasser broke the world record for 24h non drafting by riding 1026 km. His INSCYD coach Markus Kinzlbauer shares what it takes to perform such an amazing effort. https://youtu.be/W4ZKmSDhRbA With 6 victories in the Race Across America and a world record in 24h indoor track cycling (941 km), Christoph Strasser was already considered the…
In our previous article, we showed how to find out whether your runner should increase or decrease VLamax. Now it’s time to answers the final question: how to increase or decrease VLamax and How to increase VO2max in the meantime. By Benjamin Tilus Download full article in PDF Ben Tilus, National and State Champion coach…
More and more people are waking up to a powerful truth: longevity isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living better. Staying active, sharp, and independent deep into old age has become a personal mission for millions. But slowing aging or wanting to age well is not the same as knowing how. And while fitness trackers,…
Since august 2020 we proudly work together with Eden Reforestation Projects. For every INSCYD test sold, we plant a tree! By doing so, we try to support the re-forestation of our planet. We are happy to announce we planted over 2500 trees since we started this collaboration.
You’ve been told you need to train 15, 18 or even 20 hours a week to qualify for the Ironman World Championships. You’ve been told that you had to want it so badly that you had to devote your entire life to it – let alone your family and professional commitments. And although yes, the task is…
You can have a VO2max well above 70ml/min/kg, but still perform below expectations. You could even find yourself having a low anaerobic threshold (or FTP) and a low FatMax. That is because a high VO2max alone is not good enough. Here’s an example of a professional cyclist. By Sebastian Weber Swedish cyclist Hannes Bergström Frisk…
Whether a VO2max of 50 is good depends on your age and gender. Moreover, while average VO2max values tell you something about your health, athletes should compare their VO2max with other athletes, not the general population. That’s why in this article we provide numerous VO2max comparison charts, based on age and gender, for both athletes…
Although running, cycling, triathlon – and the majority of other sports – are still performed outdoors, indoor training and (remote) indoor testing are both very popular. Even in the professional world, the digitalization of training software and performance analysis tools are common practice. But take two digital platforms (let’s say INSCYD and Zwift), blend them…
In this podcast, Colby Pearce and Sebastian Weber talk about the magic of cycling: having a strong aerobic metabolism that burns the lactate, produced by the (anaerobic) glycolytic metabolism. Are you able to recover from repeated accelerations? Colby Pearce during the podcast: “The glycolytic metabolism produces lactate – and a well trained aerobic metabolism consumes…
James (39) is self-employed, working long hours and having to fit training in around his demanding physical job. His results had plateaued and he was finding it difficult to structure his training and balance his work/life commitments. As a result, he was struggling to improve his performance enough to warrant the time and energy necessary…
In this webinar we show how to measure the energy cost at a given swimming speed, using simple testing in the pool. About the webinar The energy cost at a given speed is decisive for the race performance in swimming. The methods shown in this webinar are all based on peer reviewed scientific publications. We…
This article covers everything you need to know about the INSCYD testing protocols, test results, testing cost and many more. Let’s start by addressing a common misunderstanding. Image: INSCYD partner Triathlon Training Academy Before we can dive into the INSCYD test, we have to understand what INSCYD is. INSCYD is a software tool that allows…
Discover how to measure VO2max without visiting a professional lab, utilizing field tests, sports watches, or online calculators. This article explains different ways to measure your VO2max without requiring expensive lab equipment. Let’s explore these methods and their precision in calculating your VO2 max. Image: INSCYD Partner COSMED Spread the knowledge! Share this article with…
Sometimes you need that extra advantage to win against your competitors. Sometimes you want to teach your team the intricacy of human physiology. And sometimes you just want to develop your squad and bring the youngsters to an elite level. It doesn’t matter what your goal is: INSCYD will help you to achieve it. The…
In the 2023 Tour de France, Jasper Philipsen, riding for the INSCYD partner Alpecin-Deceuninck team, has demonstrated his sprinting prowess by securing four stage wins and six podium finishes. Philipsen’s victories don’t stop there. He has been utterly dominant in the 2023 Tour de France, especially in the bunch sprints. Here’s what it takes to…
In this webinar we are going to take a close look at using anaerobic threshold / FTP for prescribing training intensities. What might be the possible limitations and most common errors in using anaerobic threshold / FTP as the sole performance benchmark? Watch the webinar: Agenda: The physiological definition of anaerobic threshold Intensity in competition…
Are you still using Jack Daniels’ running formula to determine athlete VO2? Are VO2max and anaerobic threshold the only metrics that you test for? Is your high VO2 athlete not winning all races? Then this article gives you the missing piece of the puzzle! Ben Tilus, National and State Champion coach in track and field…
When Eliud Kipchoge crossed the finish line at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, he not only completed a marathon in under two hours but also shattered a seemingly insurmountable human performance boundary. What made such a feat possible? We’ve delved into the potential physiology behind the 1:59 Challenge, and the findings are astounding… To…
Bernat Xamena after his sub-3h Marathon success Do you want to run a marathon in under three hours? Easy: you only need to run those 42.195 km (26.2 miles) at an average pace of 4:15 per km and smash it in 2 hours and 59 minutes. Of course, it’s not quite that simple: your body…
One-man coach Toll Tollmahawk more than doubled his athlete coaching and testing business in just 4 months. In this article he shares how he did this, via 3 actionable tips. Toll Tollmahawk My need to better understand it kick started my business Tollmahawk Plus. My goal is to enable all athletes – whether they are professionals, weekend…
Yes, power has advantages over speed and heart rate. But if you want to fully exploit its potential, you need to know how your running or cycling power is composed. How much power is coming from the aerobic vs the anaerobic energy system? And which fuel source contributes most to your power output? In this…
How many times have you looked at your power meter or heart rate monitor and wondered if you were going too far above your threshold? Although it is reasonable not to kill yourself ‘just because’ when you’re out training and racing, you might be surprised by how little you actually know about one of the…
Peak and fade intervals are a key component in the training regimens of elite athletes. These Peak and Fade Intervals start at a very high intensity and gradually decrease, offering a unique approach to training. This article not only delves into the science behind Peak and Fade Intervals but also covers pre-loaded intervals, another effective…
High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT is a popular training method among athletes, including cyclists and runners, who want to make the most of their training time. In this article, we bring you the top 5 HIIT workouts for endurance athletes and guide you on choosing the training methods that suit your needs the best. By…
Salim Mohammned getting an INSCYD test done by Jo Spindler Hard work will always beat talent (if talent is not trained). But if you’ve got a good set of genes and a strong work ethic, then you’re on the road to success.And that is true at any given phase in life. Just take Salim Mohammed,…
INSCYD is known for its partnerships with national federations and professional teams. However, small-scale (one-man) coaching businesses and their amateur athletes can also significantly benefit from INSCYD. This article covers common reasons why (part-time) coaches are hesitant, but extremely successful once they start using INSCYD. Consider a typical athlete who trains slightly more than 5…
So you received your metabolic test report and now wonder what you should work on to improve performance? Here’s how to discover potential room for improvement. We also show how you can calculate your ideal metabolic profile, depending on your goal. Afterwards you know exactly which metrics you should improve by how much. Spread the…
A Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test is easy to perform, you only need a power meter. However, the insights you get from knowing your FTP are also limited. In this article we share what science has to say about FTP. We also introduce a very similar test protocol that gives you a full view of …
Over-under training is a type of interval training that alternates between intensities above the anaerobic threshold or FTP and those below it. The primary objective is to accumulate fatigue and lactate during the “over” interval and then efficiently clear it during the “under” interval. But how can coaches ensure they’re getting the intensities just right…
Salenstein, Switzerland./ Colorado Sprints, USA January 12th, 2021. Two of the most innovative and best performing companies have joined forces. The coaching company Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) brings on board the analysis software and the unique training science tool INSCYD to support their performance diagnostic work. Carmichael Training Systems is the premier destination for world-class…
Salenstein, Switzerland. September 26th. INSCYD — the world’s most advanced software for performance analysis — has signed a three -year contract with the Pro Continental cycling team Corendon-Circus ahead of the next cycling seasons. INSCYD will provide the team with its cutting-edge technology for performance analysis. The team’s Performance Manager Kristof De Kegel — who has…
Just because INSCYD is well accepted in cycling – with partners like Team Jumbo Visma, Movistar and Alpecin-Fenix – doesn’t mean INSCYD is limited to cycling. In fact, the first INSCYD license purchased ever was in swimming – via the French Institute of Sports INSEP. If you are a coach, test lab or federation, who…
Team Sportforum has one mission: to become the best amateur cycling team in Germany. Head of Performance, Luke Derksen, shares how they use INSCYD for talent identification, progress monitoring, predicting future performances and deciding on race strategies. Image: INSCYD Partner Team Sportforum About Team Sportforum Our mission is to become the best amateur cycling team in…
The way training zones are determined and used hasn’t changed for decades, as if nothing happened in sport science lately. It’s time to throw them out of the window and start creating training zones that actually matter. Let’s start right away. TRAINING ZONES MOST COACHES USE – AND WHY IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE Currently,…
Dan Lorang talks about how he uses metabolic data of his athletes to create more efficient training programs: Performance Management at Team BORA-hansgrohe Assessing athletic performance in the field and in the lab Apply results to daily training programs Apply results to daily training programs The Presenter Dan Lorang is one of the most successful…
In this webinar, we share which performance metrics make the difference in swimming, how you can measure those and how you put them into practice. Watch the webinar: Agenda timestamps: [01:29] Physiological testing in swimming: which metrics are of interest? [02:40] VO2max – Maximum aerobic performance. How to test VO2max without measuring it during the…
In this post you learn 5 actionable steps to create a nutrition plan for training and racing. In fact, this is the exact process that partners like Alpecin-Deceuninck Cycling Team and the Belgium Triathlon Federation use to create a fueling plan. So if you want to know what and how much you should eat during training and…
INSCYD users have a clear advantage over their opponents who still work with conventional performance diagnostics. To make the most out of this (metabolic) data, AZUM developed a platform that enables coaches to implement INSCYD data in everyday training. This makes impractical Excel tables or inaccurate training zones a thing of the past. Here are…
This webinar will teach you how to use a holistic approach, utilising biomechanics, aerodynamics, training and nutrition to tremendously increase the performance of a triathlete in no time. Learn how to use real world biomechanical analysis, nutrition strategies and efficient training programs to maximize value of your coaching and bike fitting service. High Performance Expert…
Polarized training began as an observation of how elite endurance athletes train: 80% at low intensity, 20% at high intensity. But is polarized training better than pyramidal training for you? Let’s find out! Knowledge is power in the world of athletic training. By sharing this comprehensive article on polarized and pyramidal training, you’re empowering your…
DATE: 29 January | 7:00 PM CESt Journey to Paralympic Gold: USA Triathlon Coach Parker Spencer’s Strategy arrow-icon-down SEE INSCYD IN ACTION arrow-icon-down Download Free Guide About the Webinar: Success at the highest level requires more than just hard work—it demands precision, data, and a strategic approach. In this exclusive webinar, Coach Parker Spencer and…
This case study is about an 800 meter National Swimmer who is not able to keep up with her teammate during training and racing. Observations and lactate measurements seem to indicate she needs to improve her aerobic energy system, but this turns out to be a false assumption. Read the article and register for the…
INSCYD College: Bridging the Gap Between Sports Science and Real-World Training https://inscyd.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Vmake-AI-Thumbnail-6.mp4 The role of a coach has evolved, requiring a much wider skill set. Today’s coaches need to master communication, understand psychological aspects, develop tactics and pacing strategies, and even handle business development to market their services effectively. With so many areas of expertise…
This webinar is about Training Zones and the new INSCYD Training Zone Builder (part 1). Watch the webinar: Agenda timestamps: [02:55] What are training zones and what are they used for: benefits and downsides [11:10] Examples of training zones in different sports and countries [19:40] Translating training zones to real life training: the challenges with…
Join Benjamin Tilus, National Champion Coach and Founder of XLR8 Performance Lab, as he demystifies the art of race preparation with the revolutionary “hourglass” model. This transformative approach has been pivotal in securing the US National title and has the potential to redefine endurance training across sports. Join us for this transformative session and equip…
Webinar Uncommon Strategies to Improve Triathlon Performance Effective but uncommon strategies to increase triathlon performance. Learn how to increase your swimming economy, optimize your carbohydrate intake, improve your running economy and more. arrow-icon-down Book a Free demo About the Webinar: Maximizing triathlon performance often involves complex training schedules and high-volume sessions, which may not be…
(Tägerwilen, Switzerland, 8 March 2019) – INSCYD, the world’s most advanced software for performance analysis, and SEG Racing Academy partnered up for the next three years. Talent Support & Identification SEG Racing Academy is an U23 development team that competes at continental level with the aim of educating and developing riders to the next step.…
Leistungsdiagnostik 4.0 Wir wollen in allen Bereichen des Trainings auf dem neuesten Stand der Technik sein. Wenn es aber um die Ausdauerleistung geht arbeiten die meisten Trainer mit herkömmlichen Laktatstufentests. Einer mehr als 30 Jahre alten Methodik. Wie passt das zusammen? Dabei ist der Fortschritt längst in der Ausdauerdiagnostik angekommen. Leistungsdiagnostik findet heute da statt…
In our previous article about Why the best track and field running coaches look beyond VO2max, we talked about the importance of knowing your athlete’s anaerobic power (VLamax). We showed that having a too low VLamax can easily cost you more than 5 seconds in an 800m race, while a too high VLamax can cost…
For nearly two decades, many endurance coaches have relied on Functional Threshold Power (FTP) as the main tool for setting training intensities and measuring progress. This approach, originally intended to approximate the maximal lactate steady state (anaerobic threshold), caught on largely because establishing FTP doesn’t require laboratory-based lactate or gas-exchange testing—just a straightforward field assessment.…
(Tägerwilen, Switzerland, 2nd September 2019) –Double Olympian Brendan Reilly joins INSCYD to develop partnerships with coaches and athletes worldwide INSCYD — the world’s most advanced software for performance analysis — has announced the appointment of double Olympian Brendan Reilly as its new Partnerships Manager. Reilly, who competed at Olympic level in high jumping for over…
Whether you are an athlete, a coach, a national federation or a lab: starting to use INSCYD is easy and affordable. In this blog we briefly sum up what is necessary to join INSCYD. You are an athlete? Read how you can schedule your first INSCYD test! You are a coach or lab? Read what…
For years, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) has served as the default method for setting training intensities in endurance sports. Appealing for its simplicity, FTP is derived from a relatively easy field test—bypassing complex lab procedures. Over time, widely adopted training frameworks tied specific “zones” to percentages of this single metric. One such framework defines Zone…
In the quest for Olympic glory, USA Triathlon’s Project Podium has partnered with INSCYD, a leader in exercise physiology analytics, to revolutionize the training of America’s top young male triathletes. Head Coach Parker Spencer shares insights into this groundbreaking collaboration, aiming to turn potential into podiums at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Watch Parker Spencer…
We are happy to announce that from now on, heart rate is integrated into our training zones. That means you can now describe a FatMax training zone – or any other training zone – based on heart rate. Image: INSCYD partner Triathlon Training Academy In the past, INSCYD training zones were described based on speed…
In this blog, Sport Scientist Dylan Lindsey shares how he coached Sarah Gigante towards the National TT Championships. He specifically dives into the benefits of using the Lactate: Recovery & Accumulation graph. Ready to learn how to become a national TT champion? Let’s start! Sarah Gigante: National TT Champion 2021 After a long hiatus from…
Lift heavy is the number one tip that all female athletes in perimenopause and beyond can take on to stay strong and play to their best. Eat more protein is another. But what about those endurance goals that we love training for? How do you balance “going long” with doing strength and intensity? How do…
Join us for an exclusive webinar where we’ll delve into the secrets behind Team Sportforum‘s success in the ‘Rad-Bundesliga’ opener in Schweigen. Guided by Luke Derksen, Head of Performance, we’ll discuss the strategies and methodologies employed to elevate the team to the status of the best amateur cycling team in Germany. Learn from their real-world experiences…
Here’s how to increase your fat combustion, be less dependent on precious carbohydrates and sustain a higher exercise intensity for a longer amount of time. These 3 tips talk about what to avoid in training, what (not) to eat and your overall long term training goal. PS you can also download the tips in PDF.…
Salenstein, Switzerland. June 3rd 2020 . INSCYD and Belgian Cycling have just signed four-year cooperation agreement. This partnership includes all divisions of the national cycling association, i.e., INSCYD will support the disciplines road cycling, mountain biking, cyclocross, BMX and track cycling in their pursuit of maximum performance. Expert education for coaches After a several months long…
Understanding VO2Max: What Is It and How It Affects Athlete Performance In the realm of endurance sports, understanding performance data and metrics is vital. A common question that emerges among athletes is “what’s your FTP?” or even more specific: “what is your power-to-weight ratio?”. However, both FTP and power-to-weight ratio are heavily dependent on a…
With an INSCYD performance projection, you can show your athletes exactly how much their FTP (or any other parameter) changes when they increase their VO2max (or any other parameter) by say 5%. In our experience, that is exactly what motivates athletes to stick to a training program and retest more frequently. The performance projection (dashed…
Improving your VO2max or increasing your threshold is a time consuming process that we talk about all the time. Not this time. In this article we share 3 training tips that will increase your triathlon performance in a time efficient manner. Are you looking to increase your triathlon performance? Or maybe even preparing yourself for…
Florian Wellbrock has continued to make waves in the swimming world with his recent achievements. He pulled away for an 18.7-second win in the Open Water 10K at the World Championships, showcasing his dominance in the sport. This win was Germany’s second in two 10K races in Fukuoka, marking a significant milestone for the country…
It almost looks like a new running metric is introduced every day. This makes it easy to lose sight on the metrics that are important and fundamental. In this blog we don’t want to get lost in details like cadence, stride length and ground contact time. Instead, we are going to look at the big…
The last weeks prior to an important race event are crucial. Use the wrong training strategy, and all the hard work is lost. Manage your training the right way and you’ll boost your performance by a few percent. In this use case, Benjamin Tilus, National Champion Coach and Founder of XLR8 Performance Lab, shares how to…
As the INSCYD community grows, so does our team. We are happy to welcome track and field sprint expert, Brijesh Lawrence OLY. Introduction Brijesh Lawrence OLY Brijesh started running when he was 5, but noticed his Olympic potential when he studied at Doane University. He soon became a 100m & 200m specialist, winning a bronze…
Aya Sinay has raced as a triathlete in IRONMAN Kona (Hawaii) twice and has been a successful triathlete coach for over 10 years. In this article, she shares 3 important tips that all triathlete coaches should read. Get ready to boost your athletes’ performance and your coaching business. Spread the knowledge! Share this article with…
The highest VO2max ever recorded is by Junior World Champion Oskar Svendsen. He scored a whopping 96.7 ml/min/kg. Could he beat a multiple Tour de France winner? A recent scientific study by Dr Reinout Van Schuylenbergh answers this question, using the INSCYD software. The results will surprise you. If you are coaching or testing athletes,…
Mountain biking is significantly different from road cycling – you can’t just use the same training prescription. Elite coach Janis Musins reveals how he transformed Martin Blums from a rank around 50 to an impressive 11th place on the World XC ranking, using INSCYD performance software. Spread the knowledge! Share this article with your fellow…
Henrik Kraglund on his way to break the 7-hour mark at La Marmotte 2019 There are several badges of honour in the world of endurance sports. For some, it is running a marathon in less than three hours, or qualifying for the Ironman World Championships. For pure cyclists, on the other hand, it can be…
Muscle Glycogen and Exercise: all you need to know Glycogen is the most important energy substrate during exercise, especially at higher intensities. Since most races require such high intensities, glycogen is important to every athlete who wants to be strong, fast and become a winner. Regardless of the intensity at which you exercise, at some…
Triathlons are not won while swimming, but can easily be lost in the swim. By understanding your athlete’s physiological response, you learn how to tackle the swim and what to do in training. This boosts confidence and performance, which unlocks race benefits you and your athletes never knew existed. BONUS: Olympic Triathlon Paris use case.…
Can you compare indoor lab tests with outdoor field test? The comprehensive results of a complete physiological assessment can help you to plan your training sessions and nutrition more effectively. It’s a necessity for elite runners and it’s even a good idea for recreational runners that are training for a specific time in an upcoming…
As a sports performance coach, you’re well-versed in creating training plans and guiding your athletes to success. However, are you providing them with the metrics they truly crave? Our survey revealed that athletes are highly interested in 3 specific metrics, which most coaches often overlook. Here are these 3 metrics, along with tips on how…
Lactate threshold 1 (LT1) – also known as the aerobic threshold – is not to be confused with LT2 or anaerobic threshold, as LT1 occurs at a lower exercise intensity. LT1 may not get as much attention as LT2, but it’s still a popular ingredient of famous cycling, running, and triathlon training methods. This includes…
Exercise Physiologist Tero Joutsen, PhD, rideson the treadmill during a 30min constant load test – the gold standard for validation of the maximum lactate steady state (AKA anaerobic threshold / FTP) Advertising claims are often designed to make more out of products than they actually are. INSCYD’s Power-Performance Decoder (PPD) software doesn’t have a claim.…
When you want to go fast, you need carbohydrates as a fuel. Once you start running out of carbs, you’ll automatically slow down …
Over the past two decades, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) has become the cornerstone for determining training intensities and tracking performance progression in cycling, triathlon and endurance sports. At its core, FTP is an attempt to approximate the physiological phenomena of the maximal lactate steady state, which is usually derived from a lactate profile test. The…
This webinar is about Training Zones and the new INSCYD Training Zone Builder (part 2). Watch the webinar: Agenda timestamps: [01:00] Creating zones with TZB: the Master Metrics [02:35] Energy contribution: aerobic vs anaerobic [10:45] Substrate utilization: fat and carbohydrates [21:45] FatMax [23:40] %VO2max (power or speed) [27:25] %VLamax [34:45] Lactate concentration and rates [40:50]…
Cyclocross heroes seem to dominate in road cycling. How do cyclists like Thomas Pidcock, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel make the switch from a 60-minute cyclocross race to a 6-hour road race? In this blog, Wout van Aert – coached using INSCYD since 2017 – reveals his secret! In cyclocross, it is…
You’ve done these lactate tests countless times. Your triathlete steps onto the treadmill or bike ergometer, and you guide them through a standardized incremental test. Blood lactate is taken at regular intervals, plotted meticulously, and out comes the familiar curve. Based on this, you make individual training recommendations—or compare results to previous tests to evaluate…
Some refer to zone 3 training as sweet spot training while others call it the grey zone. This article reveals what zone 3 training is and when you should or shouldn’t implement it into your endurance training program. Spread the knowledge! Share this article with your fellow coaches and athletes. Click the share buttons below…
This article talks about the differences between a training platform like TrainingPeaks and INSCYD performance software. We also show how teams like Alpecin-Deceuninck combine both tools to prepare their pro athletes for key races. *Although we compare INSCYD with TrainingPeaks, the same is true for other training platforms like Today’s Plan, AZUM, etc. Prefer watching…
“While everyone is obsessed with power data, INSCYD enables me to go beyond the superficial and understand my body better.” Cyclocross professional Eli Iserbyt shares what he learned from INSCYD and how he puts this into practice. Cyclocross professional Eli Iserbyt shares his INSCYD experience (photo: PhotopressBE) What triggers a 6x Belgian champion, 3x European…
THE PHYSIOLOGY BEHIND WINNING THE TOUR DE FRANCE: FROM DATA TO ACTION Exclusive webinar revealing the physiological secrets of Tour de France champions. Learn how to interpret and apply metabolic data to elevate training, boost performance, and develop winning talent. arrow-icon-down Learn more about INSCYD No More Guessing! Get a 360° Metabolic Profile of Athletes…
Join Sebastian Weber, Founder of INSCYD, and Reinout Van Schuylenbergh, an esteemed coach with over 30 years of experience in endurance sports, as they impart invaluable knowledge on leveraging state-of-the-art training methods to maximize your endurance training. Join us for a webinar where Sebastian Weber, who is the project leader of INSCYD will share insights…
Many INSCYD athletes and coaches qualified and prepared for IRONMAN Kona, Hawaii. In this article we bundle their tips and tricks. Spread the knowledge! Share this article with your fellow coaches and athletes. Click the share buttons below and inspire others on their journey to athletic excellence. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit Email Table of Contents…
In endurance training and competition— efforts can oscillate between high-intensity surges and low-intensity steady paces—an athlete’s ability to recover is a defining factor of repeated, high-quality performance. Whether you coach elite cyclists seeking to outlast the peloton in repeated breakaways or you lead a running club preparing for intervals, an informed approach to recovery during…
Werden ChatGPT und andere KI-Tools den menschliche Coach ersetzen? Hier sind 3 Möglichkeiten, wie man neue, innovative Technologien nutzen kann und sich gleichzeitig unersetzlich macht. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit Email Trainerwissen vs. ChatGPT Bevor wir uns mit den spezifischen Coaching-Qualitäten von ChatGPT befassen können, ist es wichtig zu verstehen, woher es sein Wissen bezieht. Laut…
McCutchen going sub-5 and improving his Ironman bike split by more than 10 minutes in just 12 months Going sub-5 for the bike leg of an Ironman is a true milestone. Getting even faster after this benchmark is clearly harder, but not impossible. Just look at age–grouper Matthew McCutchen (47) from Aliso Viejo, California. McCutchen…
The Norwegian Training Method is gaining attention after the success of Gustav Iden and Kristian Blummenfelt in triathlon. In this blog post, you will learn how to apply the Norwegian Method in 3 simple steps to increase your triathlon performance. We will discuss the training philosophy, how to control intensity with lactate measurements, and the…
Power output recorded in training and racing isn’t separated from the physiology of the athlete. In fact, the power output one sees on his powermeter are actually created by the physiology of the athlete. INSCYD’s Power-Performance Decoder (PPD) is the first tool ever to combine field- and lab data, it enables coaches to see,…
Diagnostics national coach Alexander Törpel (m.) works with fellow coaches Norbert Warnatzsch (l.) and Bernd Berkhahn (r.) at the Magdeburg federal base in Magdeburg. Digitization is also inevitable in the sport of swimming. In the field of sports science, it is now advancing particularly quickly in Germany since Dr. Alexander Törpel was appointed national coach…
In the previous blog we talked about the importance of knowing fundamental running metrics like VO2max, VLamax, Fat combustion and Carbohydrate combustion. We saw how knowing those metrics makes you a faster runner instantaneously. In this blog we’ll show you how knowing your lactate accumulation and recovery will optimize interval training. How VO2max and VLamax…
