The Threshold Test will identify the Ventilatory Thresholds, unlock the recommended workouts and enable you to train with intensity control. 

A detailed step-by-step guide for undertaking a Threshold Test is provided here. 

This page outlines common errors we identify that mean a Threshold Test can't be processed (not validated) or is validated but the Threshold Values are incorrect. Usually when it is not processes it means the Threshold Test needs to be done again with care taken to follow the Threshold Test protocol. 

Issue: Duration too short or missing warmup

The warmup is 10 minute and this is recommended to 'activate' your body. The warmup can be very easy.

At the end of the warmup, before commencing the test, start to adjust your pace / power to ease into the Threshold Test start pace / power and avoid sudden increases or decreases. 

The actual Threshold Test duration is about 25 - 40 minutes. Do not change the default Threshold testings to increase / shorten the time for each step. 

The starting power / pace is intentional low / slow (to correctly identify your lower ventilatory thresholds). If you are an elite level athlete, read the next section.  

Issue: Changed the default protocol settings

The default Threshold Test settings (protocol) is designed so that it can be repeated (identical conditions for comparison) and so that your ventilation thresholds can be detected. 

If the default settings are changed, this introduces the risk of incorrect ventilatory thresholds or a failed threshold test. 

Keep the step duration and the power / pace increase at the default settings. 

It is intentional that the start power / pace is low (very easy) and for most athletes, it is not recommended to increase. 

The only exception is if you are an elite level athlete with a high top power / pace. In this case you can start at a higher / faster power / pace. Your total estimated Test Time should not be shorter than 30 minutes. 

Example - Elite Athletes
Default start 70 watts -> increased to 150 watts  (top power 400 watts)
Default start 3mph / 5km -> increase to 6mph / 8km  (top 16mph / 25 kmh)

Issue: Starting too fast and not matching the test

This is similar to the previous, it can feel hard to start slow and some athletes may increase with a much higher / faster power / pace than dictated by the test. 

This can distort the results (especiall Endurance and VT1) or prevent validation. 

During the Threshold Test if you go notably faster or slower that the target power / pace, stop following the increase in steps or stop and resume, this usually causes the test to fail. 

Issue: Inconsistency and changing positions

A good Threshold Test as stable Heart Rate and Minute Ventilation (VE) values that gradually increase until the point of exhaustion (when you stop).

Excessive movement and changes in body position can cause the VE to fluctuate significantly and sometimes distort the true ventilation behaviour. Similarly, irregular breathing can cause irregular breathing. 

Aim to keep your body position consistent, avoid extra movement and aim to keep your breathing steady and natural. 

For cycling, keep the breathing sensor on top of the bib knicks so that the straps don't interrupt the natural movement. 

Issue: Missing Data

If the heart rate or ventilation data is missing or stops, the threshold test can't be processed. 

When starting the test, check that both the heart rate and ventilation data is available and visible. 

Other metrics such as power and pace are not required for a successful threshold test, however the default (target) power pace will be shown if real power / pace is not available. 

Issue: Garmin mixed up the data

We advise that the Threshold Test is recorded only on the Tymewear App.

If the advice is not followed and the Threshold test is only recorded on Garmin or is also recorded on a Garmin devices and then automatically merges and overwrites the Threshold Test, this can cause the test data to be lost.

Issue: Combining Lactate, FTP and VO2max tests

The Threshold Test is designed specifically to identify the correct ventilatory thresholds. It is not an FTP test or VO2max test and modifying it or stopping during the test to collect Lactate samples will likely cause the test to fail or produce incorrect results. 

Trying to combine the Threshold Tests with other tests is not recommended

Issue: Thresholds are wrong

If you have a good looking test though feel that the ventilation thresholds are incorrect, please contact support@tymewear.com and provide details so that our team can investigate and advise. 

Threshold Test Support

If you have an issue with the Threshold Test that has not been addressed here, please mail support@tymewear.com and share details.