SportMed test and training methodology for cardiovascular training
The SportMed Institute was one of the first to determine that there was a need for qualitative guidance to help 'non-athletes' on their way to a more active life. Based on scientific knowledge and experience with top athletes, under the impulse of sports scientist Fritz Tröstl, a test and training method was developed that was completely tailored to this target group. More than 30 years later, it is more current than ever and it helps countless people to start exercising in a pleasant but scientifically responsible way. The development of the method went through two phases.
Fritz Tröstl
Spiritual father of the SportMed test and training methodology
Period 1: The SportMed 7-level fitness ladder and training based on the SportMed points system
The SportMed method, as it was developed in the early 1990s, made it possible to establish a status of the current physical condition (endurance) of a specific person on the basis of a non-invasive exercise test. The latter was an enormous asset in reaching the intended target group.
With the SportMed Fitness Ladder of seven levels, the cardiovascular performance level (endurance) of the test person could be displayed in an insightful way.
Based on the test results, a 10-week program with long, medium and short term goals was drawn up, with heart rate control as the starting point for the training sessions. With this SportMed succeeded in motivating a wide audience to heart rate-oriented training on the basis of well-founded diagnoses.
Europe-wide, more than 200,000 hobby athletes have become acquainted with the SportMed fitness levels and the associated points system.
Period 2: SportMed Cardio Score and Training to SportMed FITT Units
SportMed continues to strive for perfection and in 2012, mainly based on the experiences collected within our own research (supervision of more than 10,000 starters and hobby athletes over a long period of time), we launch a new, highly optimized test and training methodology with the introduction of the SportMed Cardio score and training with SportMed FITT-units.
This renewed method was even better suited to the needs of the target group, which has very specific needs in times when physical inactivity has become almost the norm.
With the introduction of additional visuals such as the SportMed Health Barometer and the SportMed Energy Battery to complement the more performance-oriented SportMed Cardio score, SportMed is responding further to this.
This evolution was accompanied by new technological developments that help athletes to receive feedback during training and allow a SportMed Approved Coach to guarantee a quality follow-up.