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#Tymewear #VitalPro #BreathingSensor #CyclingTech #VentilationData #EnduranceSports #VismaLeaseABike #PerformanceTracking #TrainingZones #FitnessInnovation #CyclingGear #LabLevelInsight #AthletePerformance #WearableTech #CyclingRevolution
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The UCI recently scrutinized the TymeWear breathing sensor, considering a ban due to its perceived performance-boosting potential. However, this "transformational" tool has evolved through collaboration with Visma-Lease a Bike and is now available for pre-sale as the TymeWear VitalPro. This device promises to deliver laboratory-level physiological insights directly to cyclists’ handlebars, positioning breathing (ventilation) as a superior metric for measuring effort compared to heart rate and power.
The Science Behind Ventilation
Breathing is a key physiological indicator of effort, directly correlating with critical thresholds during exercise. Unlike heart rate, which can fluctuate due to factors like fatigue or caffeine, ventilation provides a more consistent and accurate measure of an athlete’s exertion. The TymeWear VitalPro combines a heart rate monitor and a breathing sensor into a single chest strap, revolutionizing how cyclists track and optimize their performance.
The device uses strain gauges to measure breathing rate and tidal volume, calculating "minute ventilation"—the total air exchanged by the lungs. This metric helps athletes identify shifts between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, offering precise insight into their training zones and internal load.
Why Ventilation Matters
Ventriculation data offers several advantages over traditional metrics:
- Consistency: Unlike heart rate, ventilation isn’t affected by external factors like fatigue or caffeine.
- Accuracy: It provides a reliable measure of effort, even during long or intense efforts.
- Performance Insight: It helps athletes fine-tune training zones and monitor internal load more effectively.
The VitalPro in Detail
The VitalPro is a progression from TymeWear’s prototype vest design, now integrating a heart rate monitor and breathing sensor into a chest strap. It connects via Bluetooth to bike computers and sports watches, though it currently lacks ANT+ compatibility and integration with platforms like Wahoo and TrainingPeaks. The device pairs with Garmin IQ, Strava, Intervals.icu, and TymeWear’s proprietary app, offering real-time and post-workout data analysis.
To help users navigate this new metric, TymeWear offers an optional $150-per-year coaching subscription, providing personalized training zones, workout prescriptions, and progress tracking. Early adopters receive this service for free.
Visma-Lease a Bike’s Role
Visma-Lease a Bike, a leading WorldTour team, has been using TymeWear sensors throughout the season, collecting data to refine training strategies. The team has found the device particularly useful for optimizing zone 2 (endurance) training, ensuring athletes don’t overexert themselves and can perform better during high-intensity intervals.
Espen Aareskjold, a trainer for Visma-Lease a Bike, emphasized the device’s ability to personalize training plans and prevent overtraining. By using ventilation data, the team has seen significant improvements in athletes’ endurance and recovery.
Challenges and Potential
While the VitalPro holds immense promise, it faces some hurdles:
- Compatibility Issues: Lack of integration with Wahoo and TrainingPeaks may deter some users.
- Cost: At $299, it’s a significant investment, especially for cyclists who already own heart rate monitors.
- Complexity: Interpreting ventilation data may be challenging for users unfamiliar with the metric.
Despite these challenges, TymeWear’s device is generating significant interest, with pre-sale orders from top WorldTour teams indicating its potential to reshape endurance training.
Conclusion
The TymeWear VitalPro represents a groundbreaking advancement in wearable fitness technology. By providing accurate, real-time ventilation data, it offers cyclists a more precise way to monitor effort, optimize training, and prevent overtraining. While it has some limitations, its potential to transform endurance sports is undeniable. As the device gains traction and expands its compatibility, it could become as revolutionary as the heart rate monitor was in the 1970s. Stay tuned for a full review from Velo as we put the VitalPro to the test.
