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by Michael Restin
To the limit and beyond - a performance test that speaks volumes
21.6.2018
Translation: machine translated
Video: Manuel Wenk
I've got big plans for this summer, but I don't know yet whether I'll be able to carry them out. Cycling, kite surfing, trail running or even attending a summer training session with HC Davos. I'm accompanying personalities from the world of sport and I want to find out what fascinates them about their disciplines.
"Patrick does sport with..." is the name of the new column you'll find and be able to read this summer on galaxus.ch. But wait a minute!
Am I even capable of this?
I like sport and do it regularly. The tram stop where I get off to go to work is called "Sportweg" (sports route). It's no joke. It's impossible to show more commitment. But to start straight away with something like this... Am I normal?
I don't necessarily want to break completely or risk serious injury, though. So first I have to work out whether I'm really fit and whether I stand a chance of meeting the challenge(s).
Spiro-ergometry
Spiro what? Spiro-ergometry. The ultimate in performance diagnostics. I made an appointment at the SportClinic Zurich (in English) with sports specialist Matthias Ludwig for a test (if you haven't watched it yet: see video (in German)).
The spiro-ergometry (in English) involves measuring the composition of breathing gas during exercise. By measuring various parameters, such as heart rate at rest and during increasingly intense effort, it is possible to make very precise statements about actual performance.
The analysis didn't last long, but I'm still out of breath. I now know more about my physical condition. Everything's fine and I'd even be capable of more.
And what assessment can be made of the spiro-ergometry?
Matthias Ludwig hands me a whole series of tables with curves and lots of figures. It looks something like this:
To sum up, and in a way that is understandable to the uninitiated, the sports specialist explains to me that I need to work more on my endurance. When I train, like many people, I make the mistake of running with too high a pulse. I should also improve my VO2max with targeted interval training. This means that after a few months of training, I'll be able to run faster and longer.
Patrick works out with ...
The title says it all: I'm not standing by and watching. I'm taking part "no matter what". It's not about celebrating big stars. Sure, there will be the occasional well-known professional athlete. But above all it's about 'normal' people like you and me. No fake for the camera, "blood, sweat and tears", nothing but reality.
I start with Dave Spielmann from allaboutmtb.ch. He's going to take me up and down my first ever proper track in the Engadine and teach me the basics of cycling. Will it work? We'll see. The article is due at the end of June.
Don't want to miss my eventual epic cycling failure? Then subscribe to my profile and, this summer, you'll be able to see whether I manage to overcome the various challenges or not. It's as simple as that: log in with your account and, on my page, click on "Follow the author".
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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