How can you determine endurance performance? | Endurance performance – how to improve it

How can you determine endurance performance?

In comparison to weight training, it seems to be somewhat more difficult to determine the performance achieved in endurance sports. It is unusual for endurance sportsmen and -women to perform an endurance performance diagnosis, for example with a long-term ECG. Nevertheless, it is possible that the athletes can approximately determine their endurance performance, if only in comparison to other athletes.

For example, when you go running, you can measure the distance you run and the time it takes to complete it. These values can be collected so that an improvement or deterioration in endurance performance can also be detected. Such values can be compared with the values of other athletes or even top athletes, so that a somewhat objective classification of one’s own performance is possible.

In addition, the pulse rate during sport can also be measured and compared with pulse tables in order to classify the values in their significance. The pulse values also provide information about the performance. Spiroergometry is used for endurance performance diagnostics.

The word is composed of spiro = respiration, ergo= work and metrie= measurement. Respiration or oxygen uptake under performance is measured. Furthermore, the endurance performance is measured by a stress ECG on a bicycle ergometer or by a lactate test.

These test procedures are usually only chosen by professional athletes, for recreational athletes it is recommended to measure the pulse rate. The pulse is not only measured during and after exercise, but also at rest in order to have comparative values. In addition, one’s own physical sensation, such as altered breathing, can also be used for diagnosis.

How much does smoking reduce endurance performance?

Smoking has a negative effect on the body, so that endurance performance is reduced because the oxygen uptake in the blood is reduced. Inhaled smoke contains carbon monoxide, which binds to the red blood platelets and red blood pigment so that they can only transport less oxygen. As a result, the organs and muscles are supplied with less oxygen.

In addition, smoking is bad for the cardiovascular system, which is why it is also weakened. In particular, the deteriorated oxygen absorption capacity leads to a drop in performance in endurance athletes, but the exact reduction in endurance performance varies from athlete to athlete.