Breaking your limits: how to train and improve VT2 for high intensity

In our constant pursuit of unraveling the secrets of endurance performance, we’ve already explored the First Ventilatory Threshold (VT1) as the foundation of our endurance. Today, we’ll raise the intensity to understand the next physiological milestone: the Second ventilatory threshold (VT2). What is the Second Ventilatory Threshold? The Second Ventilatory Threshold, commonly known as VT2 or also called …

Rompiendo tus límites: cómo entrenar y mejorar el VT2 para la alta Intensidad

En nuestra constante búsqueda por desentrañar los secretos del rendimiento en endurance, ya hemos explorado el Primer Umbral Ventilatorio (VT1) como la base de nuestra resistencia. Hoy, elevaremos la intensidad para comprender el siguiente hito fisiológico: el Segundo Umbral Ventilatorio (VT2). ¿Qué es el Segundo Umbral Ventilatorio? El Segundo Umbral Ventilatorio, comúnmente conocido como VT2 o también llamado …

First Ventilatory Threshold (VT1): The physiological key to your endurance performance

As experts in physiology and performance, we know that endurance success lies in deeply understanding our body’s signals. Today, we’ll delve into a fundamental concept for athletes and coaches: the First Ventilatory Threshold (VT1). The First Ventilatory Threshold, or VT1, is a critical physiological point during progressive exercise. It represents the exercise intensity at which a …

Why Monitoring RPE—and Comparing It to Respiratory Frequency—Matters More Than You Think

In endurance training, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) has long been a trusted compass—an intuitive guide to how hard an athlete feels they’re working. But how reliable is this perception in real-time, especially under fatigue, heat, or glycogen depletion? More importantly, can we measure how well athletes are controlling their RPE, and should we compare what they …

Race Pacing Starts with Physiology: Why Matching Distance to Your Thresholds Matters

Success in endurance sports isn’t just about grit—it’s about precision. One of the most overlooked performance strategies is aligning your race pacing with your ventilatory thresholds. Whether you’re targeting a 10K or a 100-miler, understanding how each race maps to your body’s internal limits is critical. That’s exactly where CHASKi steps in. CHASKi is the first wearable designed specifically for …

The Science of Breathing: How RMT Enhances Aerobic Power and Delays Fatigue

When endurance athletes hit a plateau, they often look to tweak training intensity, diet, or recovery. But one critical and often overlooked component might be holding them back: respiratory muscle function. The muscles that power our breathing—like the diaphragm and intercostals—are trainable, and targeted respiratory muscle training (RMT) can deliver measurable performance gains, even for already well-trained …

CHASKi: A Wearable Game-Changer for Endurance Athletes

Revolutionizing Performance Monitoring with CHASKi For endurance athletes, understanding ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) is crucial for optimizing training and maximizing performance. Traditionally, these thresholds are measured using ergospirometry—an accurate but cumbersome lab-based method. Now, with CHASKi, you can access the same gold-standard data in the field. But how well does it stack up against …

Ventilatory Thresholds vs. Lactate Thresholds: Are They Competitors or Complementary Metrics?

Ventilatory Threshold and Lactate: Complementary Metrics for Smarter Training In the world of endurance training, metrics reign supreme. From heart rate to power output, athletes rely on data to refine their training strategies and achieve peak performance. Among these metrics, ventilatory threshold (VT) and blood lactate levels stand out as two of the most insightful …

Introducción a la Respiración para Atletas de Resistencia

La investigación sugiere que los patrones de respiración controlados e intencionados pueden influir de manera significativa en los resultados deportivos. Por ejemplo, se ha demostrado que ciertas técnicas de respiración mejoran el rendimiento de resistencia al optimizar la utilización de oxígeno y retrasar la aparición de la fatiga [1]. Otros estudios documentan cómo diferentes técnicas …

HIIT vs. Sprint Intervals: How to Optimize VO₂max for Endurance Athletes

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is the cornerstone of endurance performance, and two recent studies confirm that aerobic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to sprint interval training (SIT) in improving VO₂max for both men and women. For endurance coaches and self-educated athletes, these findings offer critical insights into structuring training programs for peak performance. Key Findings From …