OVER 2000 ATHLETES HAVE INCREASED THEIR PERFORMANCE WITH TCR
We've been helping the fitness Triathlon, Cycling and Running community in Calgery achieve their goals for over 18 years!
TCR Physiology Lab Assessments
At TCR, our state-of-the-art facility houses a comprehensive physiology lab, which offers fitness testing and coaching services to help athletes optimize their training and performance.
Get the valuable data that will help you understand your baseline and reach your highest potential. Book your physiology assessment today.
The gold standard in cardio-respiratory testing. The perfect test for determining your baseline fitness, training zones and overall health.
Several research studies have shown that VO2max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. Having a higher high VO2max has shown associations with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Assessments can be done on a Woodway Treadmill running or walking or on our Velotron Test Bike. Key markers include:
- VO2max
- Heart rate zones
- FTP for cyclists
- Fat burning zones
Included is a 10 min discussion of your results.
We have expanded our VO2 protocols and added in some lactate testing to provide you with more information and validation of your results.
Day One. Assessment #1: VO2 protocol
We use a 2 min stage protocol looking at your best zones for burning fat and aerobic training (Zones 1-5). Going to maximum effort (Zone 6) is optional and will be discussed prior to.
Day Two. Assessment #2 (2-7 days later): Lactate Threshold 1 and/or 2 (LT1, LT2)
What is your best steady state for exercise? A new look at your body's current state of lactate buffering for aerobic exercise (LT1). We can also assess your LT2 for those interested in their best race pace. We use several fingertip blood lactate samples to determine these zones.
Another great assessment is graphing how your body responds to a progressive exercise test with blood lactate. When you increase your effort and feel that “burning sensation” in your legs, this is a direct indication that your body is generating more lactate as a by-product of burning sugar.
We measure those sensations accurately and then set-up your individual training zones. Lactate Threshold One (LT1) and Lactate Threshold Two (LT2). These markers are also associated with blood lactate levels of 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/L. Knowing these two zones keeps your training on track and helps prevent over-training. We will determine:
- Power or speed for each zone
- Heart rates for each zone
- LT1 and LT2
Single testing and 4-pack bundles available.
Resting metabolic testing (RMR) is an excellent test for individuals interested in weight loss and overall health. Every person has a unique metabolism that should be addressed on an individual basis. RMR is the easiest fitness test you will ever do! The measurement requires you to sit and breathe into the metabolic cart for 20 minutes. This type of testing determines your minimum caloric requirement for everyday living (kcals/day).
Tuesday and Friday, 8:00-10:00AM. 45 min appointment.
You will receive your metabolic rate. Is it high, low or average? i.e. 1200 calories / day. This then affects your nutritional intake.
Substrate at rest. Do you burn fat well? Ideally, your metabolism should be 80% FAT and 20% CARBS. This is often not the case due to diet and exercise. From the RMR, we then recommend a look at your food intake. This helps put the pieces together and fill the gaps.
No food or caffeine 12 hrs prior to. Water is OK. Do not exercise prior to.
We use the BodyMetrix™ System of ultrasound technology. This high tech, cutting edge device allows us to quickly, easily and accurately make assessments without using skinfold calipers. No more pinching!
Assessments are not affected by hydration, exercise level or caffeine intake. Body composition is calculated by measuring subcutaneous fat thickness at multiple sites.
- Percent body fat
- Individual site fat thickness
- Cross-sectional scans to directly see fat and muscle layers
Single testing and 3-pack bundles available.
We conduct cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for individuals that have a potential Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) diagnosis. The two-day Steven’s Protocol is used whereby the patient performs two progressive VO2 tests over two days separated by 24 hrs.
We measure energy production, ventilation, heart rate, substrate utilization and lactate accumulation. The CPET has been shown to be a robust post-exertional symptom flare (termed, post-exertional malaise); a cardinal symptom of the disease.
Patients are often referred by Dr. Eleanor Stein who specializes in ME/CFS and environmental sensitives. TCR is one of the team members of Dr. Stein’s group.For more information, please contact Exercise Physiologist Cory Fagan
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A detailed 15 page report is compiled a few days after your CPET assessments. Copies are sent to you and your physician for review.
A hemoglobin test is a blood test often used to check for anemia, a condition in which your body does not make enough healthy red blood cells. If you have anemia, the cells in your body don't get all the oxygen they need.
We can check your hemoglobin levels which will determine the effect of your training and diet on your oxygen carry ability. A low hemoglobin score is associated with fatigue and over-training.
One of the easiest ways of running faster or increasing your run enjoyment is through proper running technique. If you are frequently getting injured, a gait analysis or running evaluation will eliminate many of the mistakes you could be making. Perhaps you want to attempt a new distance such as a marathon or ultra-marathon! Running efficiently is essential to going long with confidence and enjoyment. The gait analysis will evaluate shoe choice, stride technique, body position, stride rate and overall training. We approach running from a “Posture first” philosophy as correct posture allows proper technique to develop.
This three-part evaluation will compare your running style to researched methods of efficient distance running. Three 45 minute sessions will focus on developing the stronger points of your running ability as well work on minimizing aspects of your stride that may cause injury or inefficiency.
Insurable Billable Run Analysis through National Spine and Wellness (NSW).
Duration: 2 x 45min @ TCR and 45 min @ NSW
Learn to run with improved technique and efficiency. We will perform video analyses and coach you to run with improved technique and efficiency. NSW will assess your overall musculoskeletal health and work with TCR to help your running technique.
Testing Packages
VO2 Test
Run Analysis
Body Composition
Regular $417
3x Body Composition
Regular $267
4x Blood Lactate Analysis
Regular $596
V02 TESTING
I’ve been here for both V02 max testing and bike sizing and had great experiences each time. Cory (owner/op) is easy to talk to, friendly and will get you on the right track to meet your goals. I would highly recommend this shop.
ERIC PAXMAN, LOCAL GUIDE
UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL WITH OUR CUTTING-EDGE PHYSIOLOGY ASSESSMENTS AT TCR SPORT LAB
Our physiology assessments serve as your roadmap, offering an in-depth analysis of your body's capabilities and potential. Train more effectively, recover smarter, and compete stronger.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For VO2, Lactate, CPET, and Running Analysis: Please bring your cycling or running gear as appropriate, which includes shorts, shoes, and a shirt. We'll provide the pedals for the bike tests. Don't worry if you don't own cycling shoes – we've got you covered with our flat pedals.
For Body Composition tests: To ensure accurate measurements, please wear shorts and a T-shirt.
For Resting Metabolic Rate evaluations: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing to help you relax during the test. Comfort is key for an accurate reading.
For VO2, Lactate, CPET, and Running Analysis: We recommend you arrive well-rested and prepared for physical activity. To ensure accurate results, please avoid strenuous workouts the day preceding the assessment.
For Body Composition tests: It's best to refrain from exercise for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. This ensures your body is in a relaxed state, contributing to the accuracy of the results.
For Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) evaluations: Please avoid consuming any food for 12 hours before your test, although water intake is perfectly fine. Additionally, try to skip any form of exercise on the morning of the RMR test. These measures help us gain an accurate assessment of your basal metabolic state.
The insights gained from a physiology assessment can help tailor your training regimen to your body's specific needs, enhancing your performance and reducing the risk of injury.
It can help identify your strengths and areas for improvement, enabling you to focus your training efforts more effectively.
The frequency of assessments depends on your personal goals, your current fitness level, and any changes in your training regimen. However, it's generally recommended to have an assessment every 3-6 months to effectively track your progress and adjust your training plan accordingly.