summaryIn this episode of the We Do Performance podcast, John and Andrew delve into the intricacies of VO2, VO2 Max, and MVO2, exploring their significance in sports performance. They discuss the testing methods, the importance of proper execution, and the nuances of interpreting results. The conversation also highlights the growing popularity of VO2 Max testing, the role of muscle oxygen utilization, and the critical aspect of recovery in athletic training. Ultimately, they question the relevance and value of VO2 Max testing for athletes, emphasising the need for a deeper understanding of physiological principles.

takeaways

• VO2 max is the maximal amount of oxygen consumed during intense exercise.
• The accuracy of VO2 max testing can vary significantly based on equipment and operator skill.
• Many athletes do not fully understand the implications of their VO2 max scores.
• Incremental treadmill tests can provide useful insights into an athlete's fitness level.
• MVO2 testing offers a new perspective on muscle oxygen utilization during exercise.
• Recovery is a crucial component of athletic performance and should be prioritized in training.
• VO2 max scores may not be the best indicator of performance for all athletes.
• The popularity of VO2 max testing has led to a proliferation of testing facilities, but quality varies.
• Understanding the nuances of testing can lead to better training outcomes for athletes.
• Athletes should focus on performance metrics that directly relate to their sport rather than solely on VO2 max scores.

In this episode of the We Do Performance podcast, Ed Lee, a seasoned performance coach at Harlequins, shares his journey in rugby and the evolution of strength and conditioning practices. He discusses the importance of individualized training, the role of acceleration in athlete performance, and the psychological benefits of sprint training. Ed emphasizes the need for freshness over fitness in training schedules and how sprinting can serve as both a training tool and a screening method for athletes. The conversation highlights the challenges and realities of training elite athletes and the continuous adaptation required in coaching methods. In this conversation, Ed and the team delve into the complexities of physiological limiters in athletic performance, focusing on the distinctions between central and peripheral limitations. They explore the use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool for understanding muscle function and performance metrics. The discussion highlights the importance of data-driven insights in training, particularly in rugby, where conditioning strategies must adapt to the demands of the sport. The conversation also touches on the significance of scrum and mauling in conditioning, the art of pushing athletic limits, and the need for a comprehensive understanding of conditioning to enhance overall performance.

Keywords

rugby, performance coaching, strength and conditioning, athlete training, acceleration training, sports science, team sports, training adaptation, psychological benefits, individualized training, physiological limiters, central limitations, peripheral limitations, NIRS, athletic training, performance improvement, scrum conditioning, mauling, data-driven insights, conditioning strategies

In this episode Andrew is joined by Strength and Conditioning and Performance coach Bill Smart. Bill has worked in numerous sports, from BMX, Cycling to MMA, and has been responsible for the strength and conditioning of UFC athletes such as Israel Adesanya.

In this chat, we discuss everything from how to elicit the energy system demands of sport, to the use of Train Red NIRS to profile athletes and much more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bill Smart and His Background

03:13 The Evolution of Strength and Conditioning in Combat Sports

06:02 The Unique Attributes of BMX Athletes

09:02 Training Methodologies for Elite Athletes

11:58 The Importance of Needs Analysis in Performance Training

14:56 The Role of Experience in Strength and Conditioning

17:55 Insights from Personal Combat Sports Experience

20:49 The Intersection of Skill and Strength in Combat Sports

23:25 Conditioning Strategies for Boxing and Combat Sports

25:58 The Role of Elasticity and Power Generation in Fighting

29:14 Conclusion and Future Directions in Strength and Conditioning

33:28 Elasticity and Shock Absorption in Combat Sports

36:46 Understanding Fatigue and Recovery in Athletes

38:48 The Role of Psychology in Performance

40:30 Mental Toughness and Pressure Testing

43:19 Identifying and Addressing Performance Issues

49:13 The Importance of Observations in Competition

53:53 Utilizing NIRS Technology in Training

01:02:42 Exploring Athletic Profiles and Training Differences

01:04:42 Understanding Muscle Oxygenation and Endurance

01:06:35 Hypertrophy's Impact on Athletic Performance

01:08:35 The Role of Training Methods in Energy Systems

01:10:30 Striking Techniques and Force Measurement

01:23:43 Concluding Thoughts on Performance and Research