“If your not testing, you’re guessing!”
Testing and Analysis
At Catalyst we believe testing and analysis is the best way to verify our training protocols are producing the desired results.
Using tried and true techniques and protocols, we can help ensure that you are getting the right dosage of training at right intensity and at the right time to meet one’s goals.
Perfect practice makes perfect, and thus we offer video analysis services, both local and remote to help uncover possible underlying issues which may impede your progress.
You also have the option for a post analysis Zoom Call to chat with the coach and deep dive into what was discovered during your analysis, further increasing your understand of what needs to be done to get to the next level.
Services
NIX Hydration and Electrolyte Testing
No more trial and error to identify your optimal hydration strategy. The revolutionary hydration biosensor platform quantifies fluid and electrolyte losses moment-by-moment and sends notifications to your phone, watch, or bike computer to tell you exactly when, what and how much to drink. So you can focus on what really matters - your workout.
Scientific: Evaluates the biomarkers in your sweat, like a portable lab without the needles.
Personalized: Analyzes your sweat moment to moment, not a generic calculation.
The test in performed in conjunction with either a lactate threshold test or another form of threshold testing to help dial in your hydration and electrolyte needs for both training and racing.
This service is for local athletes, those within a 60 mile radius of Cape Cod and best done in conjunction with a threshold test.
Lactate Threshold Testing
One of the best measures of cycling/running fitness is lactate threshold (LT), which is the pace, power or heart rate at which lactate — an intermediate product of aerobic metabolism in the muscles — begins to accumulate rapidly in the bloodstream. If your training program is working, two things are sure to happen. One is that you will be faster at the point where your blood lactate level spikes. The other is that your heart rate at this threshold will increase (i.e., your lactate threshold heart rate will move closer to your maximum heart rate).
In addition to being useful as a measure of fitness, lactate threshold is also useful for establishing individual intensity zones for training. That’s because LT happens to fall at a moderate intensity level. Efforts that are more than a little faster than the pace or heart rate that corresponds to LT are defined as high intensity and offer a different set of benefits than moderate-intensity training. Efforts that are more than a little slower than the pace or heart rate that corresponds to LT count as low intensity and offer yet another set of benefits.
This service is for local athletes, those within a 60 mile radius of Cape Cod and best done in conjunction with a NIX hydration test.
Functional Threshold Power Testing
Functional Threshold Power or FTP is, in theory, the maximum quasi steady state power an athlete can hold for approximately one hour or as we term it your 'Hour Power'. With that being said, no one wants to ride a bike for one hour at an all out effort, so FTP testing protocols were developed. CM utilizes smart trainer protocols to test your FTP and from there can establish your power training zones. In addition to the traditional FTP test we like to perform a second power profile test on separate day to help establish a complete picture of you as a cyclist. Additionally, if you wear a HR strap we can establish baseline heart rates zones as well. These tests are invaluable for benchmarking, determining improvement and establishing your training zones for the best utilization for your training time.
Swim Video Analysis
Swim Video Analysis is an amazing opportunity for an athlete to learn precisely what to improve and how to do it from a professional CM coach. The session will involve a brief overview followed by a warm up and then filming of the athlete's freestyle stroke. An immediate review of the video will follow allowing prompt feedback. Then it's back in the water for corrections, more instruction and new drills to learn and practice. This one-on-one in-person coaching is a phenomenal way to jump start your swim.
At the end of your Video Swim Analysis session, you will receive individualized comments and images of your swim stroke along with helpful tips, exercises, and critiques to help maximize your running performance.
Run Video Analysis
Whether you are looking to set a new personal record or simply get started, CM is able to assist you in optimizing your running form preparing your body for the thrill of running, bringing you one step closer to making your goals a reality. CM uses video analysis software to make assessments of your running style. The software highlights biomechanical patterns with angles, measurements, and drawing shapes for precise feedback. We are able to make a powerful and objective gait and biomechanical analysis, which is easily communicated through high quality video footage.
At the end of your Video Gait Analysis session, you will receive individualized comments and images of your running gait along with helpful tips, exercises, and critiques to help maximize your running performance.
Remote Swim Video Analysis
What if you don't live in or around Cape Cod? No worries! CM is able to perform remote Swim Video Analysis sessions. All the athlete needs to do is to capture themselves in six different perspectives with video while in a pool and then send to CM. Detailed instructions will be sent to you via email as to how to go about capturing the proper videos. After reviewing the video, CM will contact the you to set up a video appointment to review the video, offer corrective drills and strengthening exercises. A detailed report will also be sent to you prior to the review session.
Remote Run Video Analysis
What if you don't live in or around Cape Cod? No worries! CM offers remote Run Video Analysis sessions. All the athlete needs to do is to capture themselves in 4 different perspectives with video while running, either outside or on the treadmill and then send the videos to CM. Detailed instructions will be sent to you via email as to how to go about capturing the proper videos.
After reviewing the video, CM will contact the you to set up an appointment to review the video along with detailed report explaining corrective drills and exercises will be sent to you.
Post Analysis Zoom Call
Sometimes a video review is just not enough, with the Post Analysis Zoom Call you get a chance to chat with your coach one-on-one, reviewing all aspects of your videos, ask questions and garner a little more insight into everything the little subtleties which are hard to convey through the voice over process.
