The Xert Breakthrough Lab podcast is the latest effort by the software developers & sport science data nerds at Baron Biosystems to help explain to us normal cyclists how to better optimize power-based training. As power meters become more mainstream, I’ve often wondered how many riders actually benefit from tracking the amount of watts they can crank out. Collecting data is one thing, but understanding how to use it to your benefit is an entirely different animal. Xert has developed as a smart, adaptable training tool over the years, and now their new podcast aims to explain why it might be worthwhile to delve deeper into the data…
Xert Breakthrough Lab podcast explains training with power
Buying a power meter pretty much assumes that you will collect your ride data and analyze it to determine your strengths, weaknesses & capabilities. Then, you’ll still need to tailor a training program based on that data. Hiring a coach can do that, as can a number of subscription training tools. But, if you aren’t doing that (I am not!), then you probably aren’t getting your money’s worth out of your power meter.
So, Baron Biosystems wants to make you a more informed cyclist with a power meter, and their podcast dives into what they think is the best path to training with power. It definitely leans towards the tech & training insights of their own Xert training tool, but there’s plenty of interesting information for cyclists looking to take their training to the next level. And if you were on the fence about whether to move your training to Xert, the Breakthrough Lab podcast will make it easier to make your decision.
The podcast starts off a bit rough, but over the first seven hour long episodes, the Breakthrough Lab finds its legs, delving into topics like: Xert’s fitness breakthrough & smart workout concepts, finding the right training program & setting appropriate goals, and adapting your training to real life to keep making progress. Each episode sees Xert founder Armando Mastracci chat with Scott Steele & Dr. Stephen Cheung discussing how to improve training as an endurance athlete.
BaronBiosys.com/The-Xert-Breakthrough-Lab-Podcast
Xert adds heart rate based metrics to their power analysis
The core concept of Xert and their Smart Workouts has always relied on collecting & analyzing power data in real-time. If you did any workout activity off the bike with a power meter, it didn’t get factored in to your training program. Now, a new Xert algorithm can take activities with heart rate data and compare them to your own historic data tracking relationships between real power, heart rate & cadence to estimate Xert’s key training metrics like: XSS, Focus, Fat/Carbs, Average Power & Equivalent Power. They say it works best when you combine ride tracking with heart rate & cadence data, but now rides on other bikes can contribute to your training plan. Just switch on heart rate analysis from your Xert profile.
New Xert iOS app updates deliver stand alone functionality
A recent Xert iOS app update also expands training on mobile, with a new all-in-one Activity Dashboard, Adaptive Training Advisor & new Workout Player. The updated app makes it easier to leave the computer behind for regular training, but still pairs together with the Xert Remote Player to sync your workout onto a PC, tablet or Apple TV. A similar Xert Mobile for Android is also expected soon.
