Part 1 of the HIIT vs. Norwegian 4×4 Series | By Sebastian Weber, Founder of INSCYD & WorldTour Cycling Coach
Right now, Norwegian 4×4 is everywhere.
Podcasts, coaching seminars, social media threads — suddenly everyone is prescribing 4×4-minute intervals around threshold (often described in the literature as MLSS) as if we’ve just discovered the missing piece of endurance training. It’s “evidence-based.” It’s “proven.” It’s “what the Norwegians do.”
We’ve already covered the Norwegian method and how to apply it in training in a previous article. But now we need to go deeper.
Let’s pause for a moment.
Endurance training trends move like fashion. What is “in” today quietly replaces what was “in” yesterday.
Yet here’s the important part:
HIIT isn’t wrong. Norwegian-style 4–6 minute intervals around threshold aren’t wrong either.
Both methods are supported by a substantial scientific body of evidence. Both improve VO2max. Both improve performance. Both have been repeatedly validated under controlled conditions.
Scientific data does not become invalid just because a new trend appears.
So how can athletes and coaches report massive gains with Norwegian intervals — while others achieve equally compelling results with HIIT?
If both approaches are well researched and effective, the conclusion cannot be that one is “right” and the other “wrong.”
The more useful explanation is this:
Both methods work. But they do not work equally well for every athlete.
The crucial difference lies not in the trend — but in the mechanism.
The crucial difference lies not in the trend — but in the mechanism. HIIT and Norwegian-style intervals stress the system in different ways. They emphasize different physiological pathways. They challenge metabolism differently. And depending on who the athlete is — from a phenotype and training status perspective — one stimulus may produce different adaptations.
This is what we are going to clarify in this article.
We will show that the real answer is not in the hype, but in the physiology of the athlete.
Because the decisive question is not: “What is currently popular?”
It is: “Which physiological profile is in front of me — and which stimulus will move it forward?”
Before we move forward, we need to ensure we are on the same page and avoid misunderstandings.
“HIIT” and “Norwegian intervals” are broad terms. Different coaches mean different things when they use them. If we are going to compare these methods meaningfully, we must define exactly what we are talking about.
For this article, we will contrast two representative examples.
The recovery is deliberately low intensity. About 50% of threshold represents very easy work and allows for good recovery in between the controlled intervals.
This 4×4 structure is consistent with the likely most popular version of the so-called “Norwegian intervals” approach.
Prescribing such high-intensity intervals as a percentage of threshold is common practice — especially in cycling and triathlon. Threshold serves as a reference anchor from which supra-threshold intensities are extrapolated. Extrapolation from threshold to training zones for VO2max and high intensity intervals per se is an issue that can lead to imprecise training and unwanted adaptations as described here, but this isn’t part of this article.
The 40/20 format is simply one well-established example we use here to prove the point. A 30/30 structure would operate under very similar principles. The exact seconds are less important than the relative intensity and recovery structure.
| Norwegian 4×4 | 40/20 HIIT | |
|---|---|---|
| Work interval | 4 minutes | 40 seconds |
| Rest interval | 4 minutes | 20 seconds |
| Intensity (typical) | ~100% of threshold (MLSS) | ~130% of threshold (MLSS) |
| VO2 kinetics | Approaches steady state; rises high then falls between intervals | Oscillates; never fully peaks, never fully drops |
| Aerobic stimulus | Depends on athlete's VLamax | Depends on athlete's VLamax |
| Best prescribed by | %VO2max (not threshold) | %VO2max (not threshold) |
In both sessions, recovery periods are intentionally kept low-intensity. What differs substantially is:
Now that the structures are clearly defined, we can start answering the question: why should you (or the athletes that you coach) prefer the one over the other type of interval?
In order to answer this question we need to look at what actually happens inside the body, more precisely the muscles, during this kind of training.
Before comparing athletes, we first need to look at the sessions themselves — and understand how and why these intervals became so popular for increasing aerobic performance.
A practical way to evaluate the aerobic impact of an interval session is to examine oxygen uptake during these intervals. Oxygen uptake may serve here as a proxy for the aerobic training stimulus — the signal to the body to improve aerobic capacity.
Two simple dimensions matter when using oxygen uptake as a proxy for aerobic improvements:
Both dimensions matter but are not equally the same. For example: long low intensity workouts can have a substantial positive effect on growing more mitochondria in the muscle – the powerhouse in muscle cells where the aerobic metabolism actually happens – but less stimulus to increase cardiac output of the heart (HELGERUD, Jan, et al. 2007).
In the 4×4 intervals, the work phase is long enough for oxygen uptake to approach its destined value — its steady state, or near steady state. Once it reaches that level, it remains elevated for several minutes before recovery begins. Between repetitions, the four-minute recovery allows VO2 to drop substantially before the next interval starts.
In contrast, during 40/20 intervals, no true steady state is reached. The work phase is too short for VO2 to fully climb to its potential end value. However, the recovery is also too short for it to return to baseline.
Now, when we compare our two interval formats — 4×4 and 40/20 — an important difference becomes visible.
The difference comes primarily from oxygen kinetics:
Oxygen kinetics are not the same as power kinetics.
Power can increase or decrease abruptly. VO2 cannot.
When intensity rises, oxygen uptake follows with a delay — similar to the likely familiar heart rate kinetics. When intensity drops, VO2 also declines gradually.
This delay changes the exposure profile of the two sessions:
That distinction is central. Because it determines how long oxygen uptake is elevated, how stable that elevation is, and how the aerobic stimulus is distributed over time.
In this video, Sebastian walks through the oxygen uptake kinetics of both protocols, explaining why the 40/20 format never allows VO2 to reach steady state while the Norwegian 4×4 does
Comparison of oxygen kinetics of 10×40” @130% MLSS / 20” @50% MLSS (solid line) vs. VO2 kinetics during 4’ @100% MLSS / 4’ @50% MLSS (dashed line). In the 40” on phase, VO2 neither reaches VO2max (55 ml/min/kg in this example) nor a plateau. In the 20” off phase, VO2 doesn’t decrease fully but remains elevated, starting from a higher level in the subsequent interval.
Now comes the important question: does every athlete respond the same?
Up to this point, we have only looked at the intervals themselves. We established that 4×4 and 40/20 produce different aerobic exposure profiles, both formats are supported by the literature, and both can increase VO2max.
But now we need to ask a much more important question:
Do all athletes receive the same stimulus from the same interval?
To answer that, we must introduce the individual.
Let’s use two example athletes. They have the same body weight, the same body composition, the same VO2max — the same everything. All key physiological performance indicators are identical — except for VLamax.
VLamax (maximum glycolytic rate) measures an athlete’s anaerobic glycolytic power — how quickly they produce energy through glycolysis. It is a key metric for understanding how an athlete’s metabolism responds to interval training.
Both have the same VO2max. But they are not metabolically the same.
So why does it matter if one athlete is anaerobically stronger?
The interval intensity is based on % of threshold, so it is already individualized to the athlete. So why should a higher VLamax — i.e., higher glycolytic power — affect 4×4 or HIIT training?
The reason is simple:
The energy required for any effort is provided partly by anaerobic energy production — using carbohydrates that are converted into lactate — and partly by aerobic metabolism (which uses lactate and fats as fuel).
How is this energy distribution between those two systems determined? It is determined by the relative strength of the two systems — aerobic and anaerobic — in relation to each other.
So when two athletes have the same VO2max (same maximal aerobic power) but different VLamax (different glycolytic power):
In short: when both athletes perform the exact same interval session — for example, 4×4 at their individual threshold, or 40/20 at 130% of their individual threshold — they do not receive the same aerobic stimulus.
And the reason is not their VO2max, but their VLamax.
The athlete with the lower VLamax — the one who is relatively weaker anaerobically — tends to achieve higher relative oxygen uptake during the same intervals. The more “aerobic” phenotype receives a stronger aerobic stimulus from the same training.
The athlete with the higher VLamax — the more glycolytic phenotype — tends to generate more anaerobic contribution at the same relative intensity. This means more glycolytic energy production, greater anaerobic contribution, and paradoxically: lower sustained VO2 levels. Even though VO2max is identical.
To learn how to manage this, read our guides on tips to decrease VLamax and how to increase or decrease VLamax in running.
At the same VO2max. At the same relative, threshold-based intensity. At the same interval prescription.
The training stimulus is not the same. Because the metabolic contribution is not the same.
This is why choosing between Norwegian 4×4 and HIIT based on trends or general recommendations misses the point entirely. The right protocol depends on the athlete’s individual metabolic profile.
In this part of the video below, Sebastian compares oxygen uptake kinetics for a high glycolytic vs. low glycolytic athlete performing the same interval sessions. During the 40/20 HIIT at 130% threshold, the low VLamax athlete reaches close to 90% of VO2max as peak VO2, whereas the high VLamax athlete reaches significantly lower VO2 values. The same principle applies to Norwegian 4×4: the low VLamax athlete achieves roughly 20% higher fractional VO2max utilization than the high VLamax athlete — despite identical VO2max and identical threshold-based intensity prescription.
There is another simple way to think about it: The athlete with the higher anaerobic capacity has their threshold at a lower percentage of VO2max. Therefore, prescribing 4×4 intervals at 100% of threshold automatically results in a lower fractional utilization of VO2max for that athlete.
There is a more direct way to think about this problem.
We say we want to improve VO2max. We design intervals to increase VO2max. We analyze literature about time spent near 90% of VO2max.
And then — instead of prescribing intensity based on VO2max — we prescribe it as a percentage of threshold and extrapolate from there.
That is the conceptual inconsistency. And it’s one we’ve explored before in HIIT training: intensity based on %FTP and its shortcoming.
If two athletes have the same VO2max but different VLamax, their threshold sits at a different percentage of VO2max. That means:
When prescribing 4×4 at “100% of threshold,” the aerobic trigger is not the same.
Same VO2max. Same threshold-based prescription. Different aerobic stimulus.
Now that we recognize the problem, the logic of the solution becomes clear.
If the goal is to stimulate VO2max, then interval intensity should be anchored to VO2max. Not indirectly through threshold.
By prescribing intensity as a percentage of VO2max — and by understanding the oxygen kinetics behind it — we can directly target the intended fractional utilization.
The INSCYD Training Zones Builder allows you to do exactly this: receive the %VO2max for any interval duration and interval intensity. This way it becomes possible to understand the exact aerobic training stimulus in any interval training of interest. Learn more about how it works.
In this part of the video, Sebastian walks you through the Training Zones Builder with both athlete profiles — and shows why prescribing intervals based on %threshold produces fundamentally different aerobic stimuli.
Training zones for Norwegian 4×4 are based on maximum aerobic power for both: a) a high anaerobic (glycolytic) athlete, b) a low glycolytic athlete. Because the intensity is set to 80%, 90%, 100% of aerobic power, the target training intensity is the same for both athletes as they have the same VO2max. This leads to comparable average %VO2max utilization from low 70% to around 85%. However, the training intensity expressed as % anaerobic threshold (similar to LT2, FTP) is significantly different. For example: to achieve 80% VO2max utilization, the low glycolytic athlete needs an intensity of 112% of threshold. In contrast, an almost comparable 77% utilization of VO2max requires 134% of threshold power in the high glycolytic athlete.
This approach ensures that two athletes with the same VO2max but different metabolic profiles truly receive the same aerobic trigger.
This article covers the science behind interval prescription. At the 4-Day Hands-On Camp on Physiology, Diagnostics, Nutrition, and Training Adaptation, you go further: hands-on physiological testing with real athletes, building metabolic profiles, and applying this knowledge to training decisions on the spot.
Over 4 days, you will conduct lactate and VO2 testing at the running track and on the road, learn how to interpret and apply metabolic data to training programs, and answer the question this article raises: how does the physiology of an athlete determine whether to go long and easy or short and hard?
Guided by Sebastian Weber — the scientist and coach behind multiple Olympic champions, 9 World Championship titles, and Tour de France victories.
Neither protocol is universally better. The effectiveness depends on the athlete’s individual physiology, particularly their VLamax (glycolytic power). Long intervals like the Norwegian 4×4 allow VO2 to ramp to near-maximum levels, while short intervals like 40/20 produce oscillating VO2 responses. The key factor is whether the prescribed intensity actually elicits the intended percentage of VO2max for that specific athlete.
Threshold-based intensity prescription assumes a fixed relationship between threshold and VO2max across all athletes. However, the ratio of threshold to VO2max varies significantly between individuals, largely driven by differences in VLamax. An athlete with low VLamax working at 100% of threshold may operate at 90–92% of VO2max, while an athlete with high VLamax at the same threshold-based intensity may only reach 84–86% of VO2max. Prescribing “100% of threshold” therefore produces very different aerobic stimuli for these two athletes.
VLamax (maximum glycolytic rate) measures an athlete’s anaerobic glycolytic power — how quickly they produce energy through glycolysis. VLamax is critical for interval training prescription because two athletes with identical VO2max but different VLamax values will reach different percentages of VO2max at the same threshold-based intensity. INSCYD is one of the few platforms that quantifies VLamax alongside VO2max to enable individualized training prescription.
Oxygen kinetics describes how quickly VO2 rises at the onset of exercise. In long intervals (4+ minutes), VO2 has time to approach steady-state values. In short intervals (under 60 seconds), VO2 may never reach its peak before the rest period begins. This means the actual time spent at high percentages of VO2max — which drives aerobic adaptation — can vary dramatically between interval formats and between individual athletes. For more on effective HIIT programming, see our detailed breakdown of work-to-rest ratios.
To truly individualize interval training, you need to know both the athlete’s VO2max and VLamax. INSCYD quantifies both metrics from field-based testing using the athlete’s own equipment, then uses these values to calculate individualized training zones based on %VO2max rather than threshold alone. The Training Zones Builder generates zones that account for each athlete’s unique metabolic fingerprint.
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Because of the relatively short duration of swim races, the anaerobic energy production plays a huge and significant role. It therefore makes sense to learn more about this race winning energy system, that not many coaches take into account. A French national team member gets his lactate sample taken after an exhaustive exercise to determine…
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…
Body composition in performance testing: stop ignoring it Body composition is highly important in athletic performance and performance testing. Although often ignored, body composition goes beyond weight and body fat. In lactate testing for instance, concentrations are expressed in mmol lactate per liter (mmol/L). But do you know which “liter” it is about? Let’s dive…
In this partner webinar with Azum, Sebastian Weber talks about creating efficient and effective training plans. Theoretical basics are linked with application examples from practice. Agenda Differentiating primary and secondary goals Timing, timing, timing: how long, how often, how many repetitions? Periodization & Structure: introduction use of macro-nutrients to make informed decisions about training &…
Not sure which software to use for analyzing lactate tests in your human performance lab? Checkout this comparison between Mesics (LC lactate) vs INSCYD, and decide which tool fits your lactate- and spiroergometry diagnostics lab best. To prevent confusion: Mesics is the company name. Their product is called Winlactat. Soon the product name will change…
For more than 50 years, lactate profile testing has been a central tool in endurance training. Graded exercise tests with incremental increases in speed or power, blood lactate measurements at each stage, and the resulting lactate curve are deeply embedded in the way endurance performance is assessed. The age of this concept alone does not…
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…
Lactate accumulation & recovery Accumulation of lactate is associated with fatigue and time to exhaustion during hard exercise. The time an athlete needs to recover from such an accumulation and the intensity he or she can handle during this are crucial for success in some sports like cycling and football. Furthermore knowledge about accumulation and…
Salenstein, Switzerland / Leipzig, Germany. July 7th, 2022 INSCYD and CANYON//SRAM have signed a partnership agreement. INSCYD becomes the official performance software supplier of the women’s cycling team CANYON//SRAM. With fifteen riders from eleven different countries, CANYON//SRAM Racing is home to a diverse group of highly ambitious women. The team is currently racing the Giro…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Sebastian Weber reently gave 2-day workshop in Munich about Energy metabolism diagnostics – and how to apply it in training. In attendance were national ski coaches looking to expanding their knowledge. The event was organized by INSCYD partner, the German Ski Association. Do you want to have an inside look at what the national coaches…
Are you looking for a way to boost your performance as a coach or athlete? Then you need to consider performance testing. In this article, we’ll cover the top 3 reasons why the best coaches use metabolic testing, whether you’re working with a professional or amateur athlete. What is performance testing? Before we dive into…
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…
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…
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…
IMPLEMENT INSCYD IN YOUR COACHING OR LAB BUSINESS: BOOST PERFORMANCE & GROWTH Discover the strategic advantages of implementing INSCYD into your business. We will walk you through the step-by-step integration process, share real-life examples of successful implementations, and provide actionable insights to maximize the benefits for your business. arrow-icon-down Get Free Demo Boost Earnings &…
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.
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
INSCYD is the most advanced software tool to analyze physiological performance in athletes. INSCYD enables coaches to create highly individual and laser focused training programs. INSCYD gives you access to metrics otherwise only available to elite trainers and high-end institutes – such as the only tool to provide maximum glycolytic power (VLamax) for any kind…
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…
This webinar covers everything you need to know about swimming performance tests. From the test (protocol) itself, to the results and application. Alexander Törpel (Head of Diagnostics – German Swimming Federation) talks about the application of test results in training. You’ll get unique insights into the (longitudinal) development of performance metrics, of 2 Professional National…
Let’s be clear from the start: this is not about creating a training program based on experience, hearsay, or the latest trend you saw online. Too many programs out there resemble a random stew — a bit of sprint work here, some HIIT training there, mixed with threshold, FatMax, and Zone 2 sessions — without…
In this use case, coach and sport scientist Florian Heck shares how he and his runners benefit from combining INSCYD software with (STRYD) running power data. Trail runner Josef. Source: Sportograf Florian Heck, coach and managing director at KickAss Sports, shares his story about testing and coaching an experienced trail runner, using INSCYD and STRYD.…
Improving running economy is probably the most efficient way to shave off minutes from your 10k or (half) marathon time. At the same time, it’s an overlooked metric that is often wrongly measured. That’s why it’s time for a change! This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about running economy (RE): from theory…
You invested many training hours and money in your next IRONMAN triathlon. You sacrificed social and family life. On race day, you hope all comes together. But how can you be sure? Read this article to prevent hitting the wall or underperform. Learn exactly when to accelerate, recover, eat and drink. Are you ready for…
Iceland is often associated with geysers, volcanoes, cold water and a generally hostile landscape. Although it’s an island, you hardly think of Iceland as a swimming country or destination. But even this remote country, home to more than 300,000 inhabitants, has its own swimming federation – the Sundsamband Íslands, SSÍ. And its swimmers have already…
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…
THE PROVEN WORKFLOW TO INTEGRATE TESTING SERVICES INTO YOUR COACHING BUSINESS – AND BOOST ATHLETE RETENTION You’re not the first coach or testing provider to feel unsure about how to turn testing into a consistent, value-adding part of your business. Maybe you’ve wanted to start offering testing but never felt entirely clear on how to…
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…
If you’re looking to run your best 5K race, National and State Champion coach Benjamin Tilus has a secret recipe for both beginners and professional runners. Follow these 3 steps to improve your performance and win your next race. Whether you’re a runner or a coach, this comprehensive guide to 5k race training is packed with valuable…
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,…
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 …
“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…
There are many reasons why endurance athletes should want to increase their fat combustion. Riding many hours at FatMax (intensity at which you burn the most fat) might seem like the best way to do this. However, this is not always the case. It can even harm you and cause overtraining. Here’s what you should…
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…
Are 40-20’s (40s ON 20s OFF) the best work to rest ratios in HIIT intervals? Or should you consider 30-30 Billat intervals? Both are common in endurance sports like cycling and running, and recent scientific literature shows why. Continue reading to learn more about work-to-rest ratios in HIIT training. Spread the knowledge! Share this article…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Scientists and coaches are openly questioning the importance of the most well-known performance metric in endurance sports – VO2max. This article answers whether VO2max actually matters for your sport performance. Let’s dive right into it! Spread the knowledge! Share this article with your fellow coaches and athletes. Click the share buttons below and inspire others…
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…
Sind Sie sich nicht sicher, welche Software Sie zur Leistungsdiagnostik in Ihrem Labor verwenden sollen? Werfen Sie einen Blick auf diesen Vergleich zwischen Mesics Winlactat (LC-Laktat) vs. INSCYD und entscheiden Sie, welches Tool am besten zu Ihrem Laktat- und/oder Spiroergometrie-Diagnostiklabor passt. Um Verwirrungen zu vermeiden: Mesics ist der Firmenname. Ihr Produkt heißt Winlactat. Bald wird…
Lactate testing becomes increasingly interesting once you understand the full mechanism behind it. Fortunately, more and more coaches and athletes understand what lactate is NOT: a waste product. Now it’s time to make sure you fully understand what it is!
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…
Want to race or run super long races, like the Race Across America, Cape Epic, Dirty Kanza or the Transcontinental? We’ve got you covered! As Certified Sports Nutritionist Coach Sofi Marin (INSCYD user since 2017) says: “During a 4-hour ride, you can underfuel and get away with it. However, during a 48-hour event, it’s essential…
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…
Part 2 of the HIIT vs. Norwegian 4×4 Series | By Sebastian Weber, Founder of INSCYD & WorldTour Cycling Coach Key Takeaways HIIT and Norwegian 4×4 intervals do not only train the aerobic system. They also stimulate the glycolytic (anaerobic) system, with potentially unwanted consequences for endurance performance. VLamax utilization (the fractional use of glycolytic…
In collaboration with renowned coach Frank Pike, we share why and how recreational athletes and age groupers benefit from using INSCYD. 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 The challenge of…
How often should you do an exercise test? And maybe even more important: when should you do such a sports performance physiology test? Read it in this blog or click here to start listening to the podcast! In the Faster Podcast by FLO, Sebastian Weber talks about how often athletes should perform a metabolic test…
Too many runners are underperforming because they don’t know what they are capable of. In this article, we boost your confidence, by showing you exactly how to find out what you’re already able to accomplish. More importantly: we discover precisely what you need to work on in training to increase performance even further. Let’s get…
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…
VLamax: Elite Coaches Secret Weapon Are you a cyclist looking to sprint faster than Wout van Aert? Or a triathlete dreaming of racing with Jan Frodeno at the next Ironman World Championships? These may be hard goals, but a good way to start working towards them is to understand a very important metric of human…
VO2max intervals are a type of HIIT training that specifically aim to improve aerobic power (VO2max). Although many workouts increase VO2max aerobic power, VO2max intervals are often considered to last about 5 minutes. But why? Here’s how to create individually tailored VO2max intervals that work best for you. Spread the knowledge! Share this article with…
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…
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…
The Belgian Triathlon Team Mixed Relay won the Olympic qualifier in Lisbon. As a result, they will compete in the Tokyo Olympics on July 31. What is their formula for success and how do they use INSCYD to create race winning training programs? Read it in this blog. ABOUT THE TRIATHLON MIXED TEAM RELAY Triathlon…
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.…
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,…
Webinar Make Swim Testing Great Again: A Physiology First Approach to the Best Swim Season Join elite swim coaches and sport scientists to make swim testing great again—what to measure, how to test, and how to coach from the numbers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00PmFaf8WlM Book a demo Case Study About the Webinar: Join elite coaches from national federations—the…
Velocity is a new performance-driven indoor cycling app that is designed to make cyclists faster by customizing their training to their physiology. To accomplish this, Velocity will leverage INSCYD’s proprietary software and comprehensive experience with elite athletes to provide riders with their unique metabolic profile. Readers may think of Zwift when hearing “indoor cycling app”,…
1) The metabolic origin of the anaerobic threshold. It is one of sports most used terms when it comes to endurance performance and the most important benchmark value. However, most people do not understand what it is and why it even exists. 2) Athlete performance profiling – beyond critical power testing. Critical power testing has…
(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…
Here’s how lactate concentrations in training can help to control fat metabolism. We reveal the link between lactate and fat, talk about the lactate concentration at FatMax and explain why knowing an athlete’s lactate levels in training is crucial to control fat metabolism. BONUS: know your athlete’s lactate concentration without measuring it. The popularity of training at…
Whether you’re considering becoming a coach or are already an experienced coach, we honestly can’t imagine a better way to test our physiological software than by using it on yourself (as a coach) before using it on your athletes. That’s what coach Florian Heck, 28 years old from Tri2gether (Trier, Germany), did with INSCYD. INSCYD…
(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.…
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…
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 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…
Want to reduce your VLamax so you burn less carbohydrates and increase your anaerobic threshold? Here are 5 training tips on how to decrease VLamax, talking about: training intensity, frequency and nutrition! PS you can also download the tips in PDF. Having a high VLamax will make you go faster in any sprint or attack*.…
This article shows how to reverse-engineer a swim season with a simple, field-proven lactate protocol (easy submax sets plus one all-out) already used by elite programs such as the Swedish and German Swimming Federations and USA Triathlon. We explain, at a coach-friendly level, how INSCYD models lactate production vs. clearance, accounts for distribution/kinetics, and derives…
Interval training is a highly effective way to improve your athlete’s performance, enabling to train at intensities that are too high to sustain for a long time. To create an effective interval training program, you need to consider the duration and intensity of both the interval and the recovery. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show…
If you’re working with swimmers, you’re likely doing some kind of swimming performance testing on a regular basis?! (and if not you should consider starting it). Maybe you’re tracking swim times at set distances, using lactate strips poolside, or monitoring heart rate and RPE. Whatever your exact protocol, the goals are almost always the same:…
Tabata workouts, a type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), are named after Dr. Izumi Tabata, who compared the effects of these intervals to moderate-intensity endurance training in a scientific publication (1996). The original Tabata workout only takes 4 minutes and boosts your VO2max and anaerobic capacity. Check out our in-depth guide on understanding and improving your VO2max.…
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.…
https://youtu.be/Tl8OCWf-3YI When Mika Luoto – coaching monitor of the Finnish Triathlon Association – heard about INSCYD years ago, he was very skeptical. Will it add value? Is their field test without any lactate or oxygen measurement reliable? In this interview he explains how comparing his own lab test results with INSCYD results convinced him to…
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…
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…
Ask Me Anything with Sebastian Weber: Live Q&A for Coaches & Labs arrow-icon-down Book Free demo arrow-icon-down download E-book About the Webinar: Eexclusive ‘Ask Me Anything’ session with Sebastian Weber, the founder of INSCYD and a world-renowned sports scientist. In this interactive session, Sebastian will answer any questions you have and provide valuable insights on…
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…
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…
Power vs. Duration respectively Speed vs. Duration analysis has a long history in sport science.Power-Duration relationships have become very popular and also very useful in managing training & performance in endurance sports – particularly in cycling. It provides a relatively easy way to get an idea of the performance of an athlete. Watch the webinar:…
Unf*ck Your Lactate Testing! Minimizing your testing effort while maximizing your results.Learn how to choose the right protocol, understand lactate dynamics and how to extract VO2max, VLamax, fat combustion & more from lactate your lactate tests. It’s time to unf…ck lactate testing! arrow-icon-down Book A Free Demo arrow-icon-down Learn more About the Webinar: Do you…
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…
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…
INSCYD’er and short distance runner Vanessa Scaunet during the European Championships Indoor, Torun 2021. More and more running coaches use INSCYD to create better training programs and race pacing for their athletes. This blog covers the story of Vanessa Scaunet, who was able to switch her running goal from a 2k cross country to an…
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…
Olympic gold medal winners are physiological outliers per definition. But what truly sets these elite athletes apart from others? In this article we dive into the metabolic profile of Grace Brown, who won the female individual time trial in Paris. The 32.4km course of the individual time trial (ITT) was virtually flat. As Italian’s national…
If you’ve worked with endurance athletes or run tests in a performance lab, you’ve likely come across Lactate Threshold 1 (LT1). In this article, we’ll delve into LT1 by unpacking the most common misconceptions and pitfalls about it and how to avoid them. Plus, don’t miss the video where Sebastian Weber explains these common mistakes…
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…
The German Swimming Federation (Deutscher Schwimm-Verband, DSV) and INSCYD have announced the extension of their successful partnership, a collaboration that has already led to groundbreaking results for German swimming on the world stage. By combining physiology-driven insights with tailored training protocols, INSCYD’s software has been instrumental in shaping the Federation’s athletes for top-tier performance—and the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Zone 4 training, also known as threshold training, is used by the world’s best triathletes and marathon runners. But the true training effect of zone 4 training is not as straightforward as many coaches and athletes think. This article covers the science and practical applications of zone 4 training. Spread the knowledge! Share this article…
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…
Together with former professional cyclist and INSCYD user Peter Pouly, we talk about the future of cycling training and how that affects endurance coaches and their business. Peter is a former professional cyclist (5x National Champion Cross-Country Mountain Bike, 5x winner Haute Route Alps, 1x winner La Marmotte) and now works as a Directeur Sportif for…
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…
Carbohydrate and fat combustion rates are among the most important features INSCYD can offer for runners, triathletes, and cyclists. Here’s why: While fat combustion rates are a valid marker to monitor training progress and set training intensity zones, carbohydrate combustion is crucial not only in training – but even more in a race. Carbohydrate storage…
Part 1 of the HIIT vs. Norwegian 4×4 Series | By Sebastian Weber, Founder of INSCYD & WorldTour Cycling Coach Key Takeaways Norwegian 4×4 intervals (4 min at 100% threshold / 4 min rest) and 40/20 HIIT (40 sec at 130% threshold / 20 sec rest) produce fundamentally different VO2 responses due to oxygen kinetics.…
Webinar HIIT vs Norwegian 4×4: The Science Behind Interval Prescription The interval you prescribe to improve VO2max could be quietly working against your athlete’s performance. And the reason is not the training — it’s who the athlete is. arrow-icon-down Book a Free Demo About the Webinar: Both HIIT and Norwegian 4×4 are proven to improve…
Many labs and coaches use lactate threshold graphs to measure progress in their athletes. However, when analyzing a lactate threshold chart, it’s important to know exactly which factors cause a shift in the lactate curve. After reading this article, you will understand why a right shift in the lactate curve can be a bad thing.…
Increasing VO2max can be easy at first, but becomes challenging when you already have a decent training history. In this article we talk about all the advanced methods that improve VO2max. From training to nutrition. We also cover how to overcome a plateau in VO2max and common mistakes to avoid when trying to increase VO2max.…
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…
Before we move into 2026, we want to look back at 2025 and summarize the year in one place. Here’s our 2025 wrap-up. In 2025, we focused on three things: access, scale, and confidence. That meant lowering the barrier to start testing, enabling assessments that can run at scale to grow your business 24/7, and…
Webinar X Creating individual physiology based Winter Training: From Data to Tailored Programs Prepare your athletes for success with winter training programs built from real physiological insights. Learn how to create tailored strategies that enhance off-season performance and drive results. Book A Free Demo Download Free E-Book About the Webinar: Winter is the perfect time…
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…
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,…
Stop guessing what to train and why. In 4 days, learn to identify exactly what limits your athlete’s performance — and design training and nutrition that targets it.
