PEAK PERFORMANCE IS NOW...
in Equipment, Recovery strategies
The use of compression clothing such as elastic shorts, tights and vests has become increasingly widespread amongst athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. But what scientific evidence is there for its efficacy? Andy Harrison and Kevin Thompson investigate Initial studies on the use of compression garments focused on postoperative patients and the potential protection that compression... MORE
in Equipment
Heart rate monitors provide important feedback about the intensity of exercise, but can’t measure the cumulative fatigue of workouts or the subsequent training effects. However, the use of heart rate variability data means that’s all changed. Eddie Fletcher explains In practice, it’s difficult to assess accurately the effect of training on the body. How do... MORE
in Equipment
Australian physio Sean Fyfe explains how to steer clear of road racing pitfalls by fine-tuning your body and your machine Cycling is more often a benign force than a cause of trouble. Because it is low impact, it provides many people who otherwise would struggle to perform regular exercise, with the chance to stay healthy... MORE
in Equipment
Is treadmill training a help or hindrance for the serious athlete? When an athlete runs on the track, on roads or on firm ground, their legs create propulsive forces which accelerate their centre of mass and drive it forward. The athlete’s centre of mass is decelerated during each recovery (early-stance) phase of the gait cycle,... MORE
in Equipment
Do men and women run with completely different gait styles? If so, are those differences so great that female runners need their own distinctive running shoes? Some experts point out that a key difference between the sexes is in the hips–which tend to be wider in women to promote childbirth. For example, female runners at... MORE
in Equipment
Here’s the scientific verdict on those nose strips – the damned things don’t work Successful swimmers sported them at the Olympics. Professional rugby players use them. Famous football players have them on their conks. And now more and more runners are showing up at races with the devices stuck on to their snouts. Of course,... MORE
in Equipment
The supposed benefits are literally a widening of the nostrils, reducing resistance to air flow, thereby allowing easier breathing (the strips were originally developed to assist sleep and help people with breathing problems). Are they any use? Scientific research has shown that it is the function of the muscles and/or the cardiovascular system that are... MORE
in Equipment
Warning: reliance on a heart monitor can seriously damage your performance If you’ve decided to engage in the popular practice of performing a race or workout at a particular heart rate (or fixed percentage of max heart rate), you’ve eliminated a big problem: you won’t have to worry about estimating your actual cycling or... MORE
in Equipment
Male and female athletes have different running shoe requirements It doesn’t take a scientist, sports or other, to tell you that men and women are different. However, it was really only recently that kit manufacturers noticed this difference in the area of sports shoe design. A woman’s foot is 3-4% narrower than men’s – this... MORE
in Equipment
A number of people buy their running shoes to make a fashion statement. Well, if you do, your bank statement could include some unwelcome physio bills. Running shoes are designed to provide cushioning and support, for different running styles – specifically, the way your feet strike the ground. Basically, there are three type of... MORE
The latest triathlon research and best practice findings, covering improving technique, strength and conditioning, and endurance nutrition
The latest findings from running science with practical advice showing you how you can run further and faster whilst staying in peak health
