This is the cutting edge of indoor cycling instruction – using the Talk Test to help your students identify their Ventilatory Threshold and establish training zones. When a field test is too advanced or complicated for your members (at least initially) then a Talk Test is a low-tech easily administered graded exercise test that can change everything for your students.Using the Talk Test is truly the cutting edge of indoor cycling instruction.
The Indoor Cycling Association is one of only a handful of indoor cycling organizations who teach this test. The Talk Test will help you guide your students to identify their Ventilatory Threshold. When a field test is too advanced or complicated for your members (at least initially) a Talk Test is a low-tech easily administered graded exercise test that can change everything for your students because you can establish meaningful training zones that are relevant to them, their fitness and their goals. This should become the norm in this industry, and it should replace all use of Maximum Heart Rate equations and charts.
Graph: From Validating the Talk Test as a Measure of Exercise Intensity, by Carl Foster. ACE Certified News. (See below for reference)
I have some students complain that their legs tire before their breathing reaches the equivocal point. My thinking is that they are not conditioned to stay at a steady pace for any length of time. Need more training in the saddle, maybe with building resistance at a steady pace to help build endurance? Can one do the test at slower cadences with these people but watching that the resistance doesnt get too high?
only a few of my students have HR monitors can pulse be used to estimate the VT?
This was a great bunch of music. My class loved it! I actually found an itinerary for a bike tour that lasted 7 days. Each day we tackled another hill and the scenery was described in the tour itinerary so I could be specific. It was a lot of fun. I even let them reach into the lucky bag at the end of the ride for a $1 St. Patrick’s Day scratch off…
Thanks for the profile!
Hi Jennifer,
This is my first post/question on the site.
I’ve been on board for a long time with using HR monitors. I’ve been teaching for 2 years (Spinning program) and my eyes have been opened from attending conferences and ICA’s great information. When I became aware the “220 minus” formula had “issues”, I couldn’t wait to do field testing. I’ve used Dr. Foster’s method and now want to try your field tests.
I have many questions but the biggest ones are:
1. Dr. Foster (and Heart Zones) multiplies the “uncertain” HR number by .80 to determine the “virtual maximum HR”. Heart Zones also says use .70 for unfit individuals (which actually raises, not lowers the max HR value so I’m not sure if it was a misprint on the article I read) and another version I’ve seen uses .90. I don’t see where your test does any calculations, am I missing something?
2. My club teaches the Spinning program so I’ll need to use EZ zone ratings to stay consistent until I can manage to have them adopt something else. Any advice on how can I convert Heart Zones into EZ zone percentages?
3. You use the alphabet, what is your feedback with that versus the Pledge of Allegiance Dr. Foster uses. One recommendation was to use a passage of 50 words, the Pledge has 31, the alphabet 26.
Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Paul
Hi Jennifer,
This is my first post/question on the site.
I’ve been on board for a long time with using HR monitors. I’ve been teaching for 2 years (Spinning program) and my eyes have been opened from attending conferences and ICA’s great information. When I became aware the “220 minus” formula had “issues”, I couldn’t wait to do field testing. I’ve used Dr. Foster’s method and now want to try your field tests.
I have many questions but the biggest ones are:
1. Dr. Foster (and Heart Zones) multiplies the “uncertain” HR number by .80 to determine the “virtual maximum HR”. Heart Zones also says use .70 for unfit individuals (which actually raises, not lowers the max HR value so I’m not sure if it was a misprint on the article I read) and another version I’ve seen uses .90. I don’t see where your test does any calculations, am I missing something?
2. My club teaches the Spinning program so I’ll need to use EZ zone ratings to stay consistent until I can manage to have them adopt something else. Any advice on how can I convert Heart Zones into EZ zone percentages?
3. You use the alphabet, what is your feedback with that versus the Pledge of Allegiance Dr. Foster uses. One recommendation was to use a passage of 50 words, the Pledge has 31, the alphabet 26.
Thanks for any feedback you can provide.
Paul
Wow. This is so helpful. I would like to plan a small group test for my indoor cycling members this spring. Can you tell me how long it generally takes you (in minutes) to do this in a group indoor cycling setting? If I schedule 20-30 mins would that be enough time to get it done in your experience? Thanks.
i’ve repeatedly used the talk test identifiers in my classes during warm up because so many people don’t wear a HRM and i want them to have some sort of idea of what they are experiencing so they are informed ahead of time and less likely to become scared. i want them to feel in control and individualize their session and not rely on me so much. I tell them they are my training partner in creating a responsible class. they are far more empowered and has led to a greater interest in wanting to know more and make that purchase of a HRM.