TrainingPeaks is an app that collects training data from fitness devices and applications, such as Wahoo, Garmin, Apple Watch, and Zwift. All the information is compiled into a single location, a “Workout Calendar.” From here you can monitor your exercise activities and quickly assess your current level of fitness using robust analytical tools. You also have the ability to upload training plans which you track your progress against.
Effectively TrainingPeaks is a contemporary training journal with extra tools that let you examine your training log, track your fitness levels, and evaluate your performance. It’s so simple and it’s brilliant too.
TrainingPeaks is my go-to app. I use their analytical tools to compare my current level of fitness to that of previous years. It does everything I need and more.
In July, TrainingPeaks added a new functionality to the app, taking it to the next level. It now offers functionality that I didn’t realise I needed! This is the ability to plan and track strength training alongside my other workouts, including access to videos to ensure you execute the movements correctly. This ensures that you execute the exercises correctly. With the ability to track and log your work out details, this new functionality provides TrainingPeaks a new dimension to explore. For the athlete, by combining endurance and strength training into one platform, you can track and monitor your entire fitness journey.
Why is strength training important?
As TrainingPeaks notes, “by incorporating a well-designed strength routine into your training program, you will elevate your performance to new heights, achieve new personal bests, and prolong your athletic career.”
To put it simply, strength training has multiple benefits which include:
- Injury Prevention
- Increased Power
- Increased Speed and Endurance
- Muscle Efficiency
- Bone Density and Joint Health
- Mental Toughness
How it works
There are multiple training plans that can be accessed by clicking here.
Simply purchase the plan that is suitable for your level. I purchased ‘Quick Gains: Strength Plan for Busy Endurance Athletes. Beginner.’
The plan that I purchased has been developed by Phil Mosley. He founded MyProCoach in 2010 to “offer the world’s most comprehensive range of online training plans.” Phil has a range of plans available here.
Once you have purchased the plan, it will be uploaded to your TrainingPeaks account, which you can access from the Training Plan Library.
Click the plan and add it to your calendar.
Following the program
To undertake the training:
- Open your TrainingPeaks app (ideally on your phone or tablet).
- Click the training session.
- Click “Start Workout.”
- Complete the first set of exercises and click the “Complete All” button, this moves you to the next exercise.
- View the video tutorials, to help explain what the exercise is.
- Once completed, click “End Workout.”
- Your data will be logged and you will have completed the session.
Benefits
In my opinion, this new functionality is something special. That might sound rather strong, but here is my rationale.
- You have access to workouts that you can do anywhere, at any time.
- Easily record your progress.
- Video tutorials ensure you perform the exercises correctly.
- No gym is required.
The only disadvantages are that you may need to invest in a few minor items. For example, one exercise requires a stretch band, which I don’t have, but it didn’t stop me doing the exercise, I just adapted it. This piece of equipment is not expensive and easily purchasable, so I will add it to my Amazon cart next time I am shopping.
Fundamentally, this feature provides you with the ultimate flexibility that modern lives now demand.
Summary
To sum-up, TrainingPeaks has taken their already useful app and enhanced it. It now provides the ability to help track additional exercises, like strength training. What this means is that gone are the days when you would go to gym, armed with a pencil and your programme, where you would tick off your exercises as you go. This is all now done with a click of a few buttons on your phone. I can honestly say, I never envisioned this 20 years ago, but this is progress and the value is there to be seen.
All this leads me to wonder what is next for TrainingPeaks, yoga sessions in the app? With this new video functionality, the opportunities seem endless.
