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.
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Contrary to Tabata intervals and 40-20 intervals – which can also have the goal of improving aerobic power – VO2max intervals typically last between 3-10 minutes, instead of a couple of seconds.
Although long slow endurance training can also be implemented to improve aerobic power – VO2max intervals are different since they take place in the high-intensity domain. The intensity is often above steady state intensities (e.g. above anaerobic threshold).
Before we dive into the ideal intensity and duration for VO2max intervals, let’s first look at an example of VO2max intervals.
*INSCYD athletes and coaches can find exact VO2max power in their metabolic profile. With VO2max-power, we mean the amount of aerobic power at VO2max. For example: when you have a VO2max of 60 ml/kg/min and a body weight of 80 kg, your VO2max equals 4800 ml/min (60 * 80 = 4800). Roughly every 12 ml/min equals 1 watt. Your VO2max-power therefore equals 400 watts (4800 ÷ 12 = 400).
This workout would take roughly 35 minutes (ex warm-up and cool down).
In this example we used 5 minute intervals, but should you?
There’s a wide range of VO2max interval durations that are effective. That is because basically any intensity above anaerobic threshold, will make you reach VO2max sooner or later.
Short, high-intensity intervals can result in a maximal oxygen uptake within 2-3 minutes. Long, slightly above anaerobic threshold intervals can take much longer (e.g. 10 minutes) before they result in a maximal oxygen uptake.
As a result, when you use short VO2max intervals, the intensity should be high. When you prefer longer VO2max intervals, you can choose an intensity only slightly above the anaerobic threshold.
But which one is better?
Both strategies have the potential to improve aerobic power. Your decision depends on other factors. If you want to increase your anaerobic power (VLamax) too, it makes more sense to choose high-intensity, short intervals. When you want to decrease your VLamax, it makes more sense to choose longer VO2max intervals at a lower intensity.
Learn why this is the case and how to make the decision, via our guide. Use the form to receive it directly in your email inbox:
Wondering how to tailor VO2max intervals for each of your athletes? With INSCYD’s metabolic profiling, you can go beyond generalized training programs. Understand not just VO2max, but also other key metrics like VLamax, anaerobic threshold and others – watch the full list.
It’s the next step in individualized coaching for sports coaches and athletes. If you’re interested in seeing how INSCYD could help you improve your athletes’ performance—and in the meantime, increase your revenue—book a free demo with INSCYD in your own language.
The obvious benefit of VO2max intervals is an increase in VO2max. Contrary to Tabata intervals or 40-20s, longer VO2max intervals allow for keeping the anaerobic energy contribution relatively low, which can prevent an increase in VLamax.
There are many benefits of having a high VO2max. All other things equal, an increase in VO2max increases:
That typical 3-10 minute VO2max intervals are effective in increasing endurance performance has been known for years. Even competitive cyclists who already have a high VO2max can increase performance with training programs lasting only a couple of weeks.
In 4 weeks, competitive cyclists performed 6 HIIT workouts: 6-8 intervals of 5 minutes above threshold with 60 seconds recovery. They significantly increased their:
However, a more recent study shows that although 3 weeks of three weekly sessions of VO2max intervals (4×5 minutes with 2,5 minute recovery) do increase performance metrics like VO2max, short intervals like the 40-20s might be more effective (for elite cyclists)
The only way to find out what works for you is a simple pre- and post metabolic test that gives you a 360 degree overview of your progress.
INSCYD offers a comprehensive metabolic profile of the athlete, which revolutionize your approach to training and performance analysis.
From optimizing nutrition plans and rehabilitation programs to tailoring high-intensity interval training, INSCYD provides actionable insights based on comprehensive metabolic profiling.
Whether you’re developing talent, working with amateur athletes, or aiming for Olympic-level performance, INSCYD provides actionable insights that are backed by science and trusted by professionals and top tier teams and federations.
Get a 360-degree overview of your athletes’ physiological capabilities. Book a free call with INSCYD today and take the first step in revolutionizing your approach to athlete performance.
The best intervals for VO2 max have an intensity above critical power or anaerobic threshold, and last between 3-10 minutes. Learn which VO2max duration and intensity works best for you.
The interval duration for VO2 max is between 3-10 minutes. This is roughly the time it takes to reach VO2 max, depending on your exercise intensity.
You can do VO2 max workouts every day, as long as you pay attention to your recovery too. You should consider mixing several VO2 max workouts: from long slow distance endurance training to HIIT interval training.
VO2max intervals raise FTP, because they increase your threshold by improving the ability to clear lactate. This is obviously only true if your VO2max intervals are effective (they raise VO2max) and if they don’t increase your anaerobic power contribution, which would increase lactate production and therefore negatively affect FTP.
5 minute intervals increase VO2max in well-trained cyclists
Weston, A. R., Myburgh, K. H., Lindsay, F. H., Dennis, S. C., Noakes, T. D., & Hawley, J. A. (1997). Skeletal muscle buffering capacity and endurance performance after high-intensity interval training by well-trained cyclists. European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 75(1), 7–13.
Shorter intervals are more effective in elite cyclists
Rønnestad, B. R., Hansen, J., Nygaard, H., & Lundby, C. (2020). Superior performance improvements in elite cyclists following short-interval vs effort-matched long-interval training. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 30(5), 849–857.
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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:…
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…
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…
Some of our technologies seem so ground-breaking, that it might seem too good to be true. Questions we often hear are: “how come INSCYD is able to measure the VLamax while others fail to do so?” or “How is it possible that the Cycling PPD only needs 4 all out efforts, but still results in…
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…
Join CANYON//SRAM Racing rider, Ella Harris, and the team’s performance coach, Stephen Gallagher from Dig Deep Coaching, for a dive into the practical use of the INSCYD software. They’ll discuss the insights from various testing protocols and real-life examples of how these understandings have helped shape and improve performances across training, racing and recovery. Agenda:…
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…
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…
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? You might want to check out…
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…
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…
Are you still using training zones based on a percentage of FTP, Anaerobic threshold or fixed lactate concentrations? Do you get the feeling that two athletes training in the same zone don’t show the same adaptation to the same training? If this sounds familiar then it is time for a change! https://youtu.be/hZELSARsJtA With INSCYD’s new…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Chris Case and Trevor Connor of Fast Talk Laboratories performing an INSCYD test Salenstein, Switzerland / Boulder, Colorado, USA At INSCYD we celebrate all our new partnerships, and this is one we cannot keep to ourselves. We are happy to announce our new partnership with Fast Talk Laboratories! About Fast Talk and Fast Talk Laboratories…
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]…
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…
This case study is about a National Cross-Country (XC) Skier who is not able to keep up with his teammate during training and racing. Field observations and lactate measurements seem to indicate he needs to improve his aerobic energy system, but this turns out to be a false assumption. Read the article and watch the…
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…
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 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…
(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.…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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