Coaching Client Testing

Individualized Training Zones

Stop using 220-age formulas or generic zone calculators. Get your client's actual VT1, VT2, and max HR. Zones based on physiology, not estimates.

• • Accurate heart rate zones for all training intensities
• • Ventilatory thresholds (VT1 = aerobic threshold, VT2 = lactate threshold)
• • Measured maximum heart rate (not estimated)
• • Power zones for cyclists (based on VO₂ max and VT2)
• • Pace zones for runners (correlated with threshold)

Identify Client Limiters

Testing reveals what's holding your client back. Low VO₂ max? Need aerobic base work. Low VT2 relative to VO₂ max? Need threshold training.

• • Assess aerobic capacity vs. age/gender norms
• • Identify if aerobic base or threshold is the limiter
• • Determine if training program is working
• • Adjust programming based on objective data

Track Client Progress

Retest clients every 8-12 weeks to show improvements. Objective validation that your coaching is working. Motivates clients and justifies your services.

• • Baseline testing at start of coaching relationship
• • Progress testing mid-training block
• • End-of-season assessment
• • Year-over-year comparisons
• • Demonstrates ROI of coaching investment

Differentiate Your Services

Coaches who use metabolic testing stand out. Shows you're data-driven and professional. Attracts serious athletes willing to invest in performance.

• • Premium service offering
• • Justifies higher coaching fees
• • Attracts committed athletes
• • Professional credibility and reputation

Endurance Coaches

• • Running coaches: Marathon, half marathon, 5K/10K, ultra training
• • Triathlon coaches: Ironman, 70.3, Olympic distance
• • Cycling coaches: Road racing, criterium, gran fondo, gravel
• • Swimming coaches: Open water, pool distance events
• • Test on treadmill, bike, rower, or stair mill to match sport specificity

Personal Trainers

• • Weight loss clients: RMR testing for accurate calorie targets
• • General fitness: Establish cardiovascular fitness baseline
• • Body recomposition: Optimize cardio intensity for fat loss
• • Athletic performance: Improve conditioning for sports
• • Combine VO₂ max and RMR testing for complete metabolic profile

CrossFit & Functional Fitness Coaches

• • Engine development: Build aerobic base for work capacity
• • MetCon optimization: Identify optimal pacing for WODs
• • Competition prep: Assess conditioning for Open/Regionals
• • Recovery capacity: Higher VO₂ max = faster recovery between efforts

Strength & Conditioning Coaches

• • Team sports: Soccer, basketball, lacrosse conditioning
• • Combat sports: MMA, boxing, wrestling cardio
• • Field sports: Football, rugby, hockey fitness
• • Baseline assessment: Identify athletes needing conditioning work

Step 1: Coach Refers Client

You send your client to us for testing. We handle scheduling, testing, and results delivery.

• • Client books appointment online or by phone
• • Mention coach name for proper coordination
• • Choose testing modality (treadmill, bike, rower, stair mill)
• • Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends

Step 2: Client Gets Tested

Professional VO₂ max testing at our Santa Cruz location:

• • 45-60 minute appointment
• • Incremental ramp protocol to exhaustion
• • Real-time breath-by-breath analysis
• • Immediate results with full explanation
• • Client receives detailed report with zones

Step 3: Results Shared with Coach

With client permission, we share results with you:

• • Complete test report with all metrics
• • VO₂ max value and percentile ranking
• • VT1 and VT2 heart rates
• • 5-zone heart rate training system
• • Recommendations for training focus
• • Available via email or phone consultation

Step 4: Coach Applies Data

Use test results to optimize client programming:

• • Prescribe workouts using accurate zones
• • Adjust training based on identified limiters
• • Set realistic performance goals
• • Plan periodization around current fitness
• • Schedule retest to track improvements

Volume Referral Discount

Coaches who refer 10+ clients per year receive discounted testing rates. Pass savings to clients or keep as referral benefit. Contact us to set up coach referral account.

Team Testing Days

Schedule dedicated testing days for your coaching group. Multiple athletes tested in sequence. Efficient scheduling, group rates available. Ideal for running clubs, cycling teams, triathlon squads.

Seasonal Testing Programs

Pre-season baseline and mid-season progress testing for all your athletes. Track improvements across your entire roster. Aggregate data shows effectiveness of your coaching program.

Coach Education

Free consultation on interpreting test results and applying data to training. We help you understand the physiology and translate numbers into actionable programming.

Comprehensive Test Report

VO₂ max value (ml/kg/min), percentile ranking, VT1 heart rate, VT2 heart rate, maximum heart rate, 5-zone training system, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), ventilatory efficiency, and training recommendations.

Training Zone Chart

Clear chart showing Zone 1 (recovery), Zone 2 (aerobic base), Zone 3 (tempo), Zone 4 (threshold), Zone 5 (VO₂ max). Heart rate ranges for each zone. Easy to apply to training plans.

Progress Tracking

For repeat testing, comparison to previous results. Track VO₂ max improvements, zone shifts, and fitness gains. Demonstrates effectiveness of your coaching program.

Consultation Available

Questions about results? We're available for phone or email consultation. Help you interpret data and apply to specific training situations. Coach-to-coach support.

Do I need to be present during my client's test?

No. We handle everything and share results with you afterward (with client permission). Some coaches prefer to attend to see the test process-you're welcome to observe.

Can clients test on their preferred modality?

Yes. We offer treadmill (runners), bike (cyclists/triathletes), rower (rowers/CrossFit), and stair mill (general fitness). Sport-specific testing provides most relevant data.

How do I set up a coach referral account?

Contact us by phone or email. We'll set up your coach profile, discuss volume discounts, and provide referral materials you can share with clients. Simple process, no fees.

Do you offer coach education on interpreting results?

Yes. We provide consultation on understanding test data and applying it to training. Happy to discuss specific cases and help you translate physiology into programming.

Can I refer clients from outside Santa Cruz?

Absolutely. We work with coaches nationwide who refer Bay Area clients. For large coaching groups, we can discuss mobile testing at your location for groups of 10+.

What if my client needs RMR testing too?

We offer both VO₂ max and RMR testing. Performance Pack ($300) includes both tests. Ideal for weight loss clients, body composition goals, or complete metabolic profile.