TCR Sport Lab is a state of the art testing laboratory that integrates science with real world application.
The central component of the lab is our new Parvo Metabolic Measurement Cart. This machine analyzes the cardio-respiratory functions of your body and provides us with detailed and valuable information for program design. Parvo metabolic machines are also used by NASA, USARIEM, Cooper Institute, Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Washington, Florida, Tennessee, Penn State and the University of Calgary’s Human Performance Laboratory. Our lab also comes equipped with a Woodway Treadmill which is also the choice of NASA, the US Military and the University of Calgary. For cycling-related testing, we are equipped with a high-tech Velotron testing bike as well as several Computrainers.
This is the gold standard in cardio-respiratory testing. Each client will receive a wealth of information about their training status and potential. People can do the test on our Woodway Treadmill or our fully adjustable Velotron Test Bike. This type of testing incrementally measures your oxygen consumption, carbohydrate and fat burning efficiencies as well as ventilation, heart rate, speed and power. Based on the data obtained, our clients will receive individualized heart rate zones, thresholds, pacing guides for running, power zones for cycling as well and recommendations for program design.
The blood lactate test is an incremental test to determine your own individual anaerobic or lactate threshold (LT). This test can be done using a treadmill or a test bike. At specified intervals, a droplet of blood is taken from your fingertip using a lancet. The lactate in your blood is analyzed and used to identify your LT which is important for program design and racing. This zone is also helpful in monitoring your training status and recovery from workouts.
Finding your critical power is a practical and effective way to determine your current fitness level. Critical speed is only unique from critical power in that we use a treadmill or running track to find critical speed, and we use a test bike for critical power. With 3 short tests, each lasting less than 15 minutes, we can predict a 10km run time or 40km cycling time trial performance. If you are the independent type, you can do some of the testing on your own and we can simply facilitate analyzing your own data.
One of the easiest ways of running faster or increasing your run enjoyment is through proper running technique. Runners can benefit from gait analysis by evaluating shoe choice, stride technique, body position, stride rate and overall training. This evaluation will compare your running style to researched methods of efficient distance running. We will work on the developing the stronger points of your running ability as well work on minimizing aspects of your stride than may cause injury or inefficiency.
The high-tech Velotron test bike provides analysis of your efficiency under various workloads and measures your pulling/pushing ratio and power output. We can examine the structure of your cadence, identifying both the stronger and weaker points of your pedal stroke. This test provides you with the information on how to become a better cyclist through better technique.
The Myotest PRO® is leading the change in performance training. We can use this new cutting edge assessment tool to measure your muscular strength and power performance in a matter of minutes. Myotest offers valuable training information such as the maximum power, force, and velocity you can achieve. We tailor the tests we perform with this versatile tool to suit your sport, and we can use this information to give you a baseline before starting a training program, to track changes, and to validate progress in your training. Measurements such as the height of a jump, 1RM (maximum strength), minimum ground contact time when jumping, and fatigue resistance are easily obtained. Powerful features such as the muscular profile allow us to help you refine strength training loads to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of strength and power development.
When it comes to achieving your goals, fitness testing and training is only half of the plan. Many clients who enter events such as running, triathlon and cycling seek our advice because our nutrition philosophy is based on teaching your body to become efficient and not dependent on product. We provide advice from a physiological perspective and not a “product” perspective. There is an abundance of information available in magazines and websites, however many provide conflicting advice and skewed research. We sort through the good and bad to provide you with honest advice on what your body actually needs for your event and / or goals.
Our mission is to help your body become more efficient at burning fat during the day and at your event. Every person will have a unique plan depending on their background, sport, body fat and goals.
Resting metabolic testing is an excellent test for individuals interested in weight loss and overall health. RMR is the specific measurement of your metabolism. Everyone person has a unique metabolism that should be addressed on an individual basis.
RMR is also the easiest fitness test you will ever do! The measurement requires you to sit and breathe into the metabolic cart for 30 minutes. This type of testing determines your baseline or minimum caloric requirement for everyday living (kcals/day). In addition, we determine how well you burn fat and carbohydrates at rest. These two factors allow for a more precise nutrition and exercise plan to be developed.
Our body composition testing calculates your percentage of body fat and lean body weight to fat mass ratios. These tests can be done on a monthly basis to monitor your exercise and diet strategies, providing a snapshot of how your current plan is affecting your body composition.
TCR Sport Lab has the capability of bringing our lab to you! We can perform all metabolic, blood lactate , MYOTEST, body composition and cycling-specific measurements you might require. This is a great way to boost a healthy living/active lifestyle philosophy and culture in your office. Businesses, teams and clubs can use our mobile lab as a fitness/health incentive for their employees. We require that you have at least 10 participants, 80-100 sq ft of open area with access to a washroom. Give us a call for a proposal that meets your needs and budget.
