Start with Mean Power and Peak Velocity
With 13 parameters to choose from when measuring performance in the gym with the Power Tool, the decision on what to measure and why, is an important one.
According to Curtin University Power is an important factor in assessing a person’s capacity for performance in sport We agree, though this report is a little dated, and does not take into account the latest developments in measurement technology. Since the report was written, GymAware Power Tools have measured, uploaded and analysed over 600,000 sets! That’s well over 1 million lifts from elite athletes all over the world! We have worked with our customers to convert this data into useful information to help coaches and practitioners get the best performances out of their athletes.
What we think is important
Mean Concentric Power
Power averaged over the entire lift phase is a much better performance indicator than peak power as it correlates better with the state of the athlete. Our users have found that mean power is a very sensitive indicator that can detect very subtle changes in the athlete such as menstrual cycle, and increased fatigue due to playing on hard playing surfaces. When combined with athlete monitoring and RPE logging mean power is a great indicator of athlete fatigue and risk of injury.
Train your athletes with mean power feedback
High power outputs enable game winning performances - It’s a desirable trait so train for it! Set power thresholds for each athlete so make every rep count. You need to use mean power to ensure lift quality as brief high peaks can be obtained by “jigging the system” with short sharp movements.
Measure mean Watts/Kg to compare athletes
By factoring in body weight you can identify your most powerful athletes in terms of power per kilogram. Do this experiment: select an exercise, like jump squat, then measure mean Watts/Kg for your team, then rank them highest to lowest. You will find some very interesting correlations here. At the high end you’ll find your more “exciting” players, capable of outstanding goal scoring performances, while at the lower end you will see the work horses with strength and staying power. Both traits can be useful in a team, identify them and train them accordingly.
Peak Velocity
Coming in second to mean power is peak velocity. Moving fast in sport? hmm, now who would have thought that was important! High peak velocity is a very desirable performance outcome.
Train your athletes with velocity feedback
Use the Power Tool’s audible feedback to set velocity thresholds to train to.
Motivate athletes by showing them every improvement in velocity. The Power Tool is sensitive enough to show daily changes.
Percentage
Though not really a parameter in it’s own right, you can use percentage to compare each rep to the first rep so the athlete can train for consistency.
Other Parameters
See the full list of parameters here. Depending on the sport, we also like height and dip when training or testing for jump height, height being the outcome and dip being useful in ensuring a tight protocol.
The time related parameters concentric time and rep rate can be good coaching aids for maintaining consistency.
The other parameters are included for completeness and at the request of customers doing research.
