HRV and Menopause

HRV and menopause by Janet Birkmyre Looking back, I can remember a 50+ track cyclist telling me “It all changes and becomes so much more difficult after 50”.  I did not think too much on it at the time, I was in my early 40’s and still improving (I did not start...

HRV and Covid – an ithlete user’s perspective

Covid is still in the news, but mostly because of the revelations about Matt Hancock’s WhatsApp messages. Otherwise, you might get the impression that Covid has gone away.  I work in the NHS.  Until a few weeks ago I was required to undergo a lateral flow test twice a...

HRV and Covid – Training during and after infection

During the early part of the pandemic, in June 2020, ithlete won a grant to try and determine whether or not changes in daily HRV could be used to detect the onset and subsequent severity of the illness. What we didn’t know about at the time we conducted the survey of ithlete users, was how Covid would affect an otherwise healthy athlete’s ability to train during the illness and subsequent recovery.
Let’s take another look.

How To Handle An Unexpected ithlete HRV Reading

by Jan Birkmyre Thanks to ithlete I have been tracking my heart rate variability (HRV) via a reading taken every morning since 2012.  It is so much a part of my routine these days that it sets the tone for my day.  Using the ithlete Pro version of the app I can track...

HRV, Life Stress and Training

by Janet Birkmyre ithlete’s HRV measurement turns training data into intelligence – it adds value by personalising data that (while being based on solid research) is otherwise too generic to allow for optimal decisions about training to be made when the human...

HRV and COVID-19 in athletes. Is there a connection?

We have been asked by the UK Government to test the hypothesis that HRV may be a powerful diagnostic tool for Covid-19. This article will explain the relationship between HRV and Covid, focusing particularly on the implications for people who exercise regularly and...

Lockdown Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

by Jan Birkmyre According to my daily heart rate variability (HRV) readings from ithlete, it is very clear my body loves this lockdown.  On reflection, I suppose, that should not come as a complete surprise but even so, the magnitude of the improvement is a shock....

Time of measurement

Time of measurement We recommend taking your ithlete heart rate variability (HRV) reading first thing in the morning, preferably right after waking. There are several reasons behind this recommendation… Following a full night of rest It’s a well-known fact that the...

What makes ithlete special?

ithlete has been copied by many imitators since 2009, but as we continue to develop and innovate no one competitor has achieved the combination of easy to access ithlete’s features and benefits.

Detecting Chronic vs Acute fatigue in Mountain Athletes

We recently came across an article highlighting difficulties when trying to identify chronic fatigue using HRV. The authors graciously gave us the opportunity to reply, which is now is part of the revised article, and here are our final thoughts.

Better is Better

Like so many coaches out there, I’ve coached a fair share of athletes who subscribe to the “more is better” mindset.  Over my years in the endurance world, I’ve definitely learned to subscribe to the “more is not better; better is better” philosophy.  Why?  Because...

Notes from a high-volume cycling training camp

Simon Wegerif shares his experience and tips following this years week long cycling training camp in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The excellent paved roads extending from sea level to the main crater of Mt Teide at 2100m give continuous climbs of 18 – 48 km i.e. some of the longest in Europe.

HRV: It knows me better than I know myself

By Coach Laura Henry I started taking daily Heart Rate Variability (HRV) readings last February when my coaching company, Team MPI, partnered with ithlete.  I hadn’t ever heard of HRV before, and I was curious to see what it was about.  I was interested in learning...

How to use HRV in sports training Part 3

Recovery Strategies Sleep. Not only quantity, but quality is important. Human growth hormone which is essential for body repair, is mostly produced during the first four hours of sleep, and these turn out to be the most critical hours for recovery. Alcohol, caffeine,...

How to use HRV in sports training Part 2

Performing the Daily Measurement with ithlete Here are recommendations for taking your daily heart-rate variability (HRV) measurement: Take the 60-second test in the morning, before breakfast or caffeinated drinks. The exact time is not as important as making sure you...

MAF training with Dr Phil Maffetone

In this second interview between Simon Wegerif and Dr Phil Maffetone they cover the MAF method. Including how this training method can improve performance, fat burning efficiency and your heart rate variability (HRV).

Coaching the TORQ Women’s Track Cycling Team

I had been using ithlete for several years as part of my own training monitoring and found the basic data helpful as an additional weapon in my armoury. So when I was given the opportunity to use an ithlete Team App in conjunction with my coaching role for the TORQ Track Team I was keen to see what it could bring to the table.

How to Increase your Exercise Safely

Whether it’s a new years resolution or you’re returning to your training regime after the obligatory festive break, an increase in exercise and/or intensity needs to be carefully thought out to ensure you get the best out of every workout or training session.This post...

5 Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

With the festive period now over, it’s definitely time to dust off your training kit and get back to it! To help you out, we’ve put together some of the top benefits of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for those of you looking to mix up your training regime for...

An Interview with Chris Kilmurray

In this podcast ithlete founder Simon Wegerif talks to rider and coach Chris Kilmurray of Point1Athletic. As well as discussing his own HRV journey Chris provides examples of how different athletes respond to training techniques/volumes and importantly how HRV is a...

The Most Advanced Yoga Practice Is Breathing

Last summer I spent 2 weeks at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in France on their Sadhana Intensive. The sanskrit word ‘sadhana’ refers to spiritual practice and the word ‘intensive’ refers to practising yoga for over 9 hours every day for 14 days....

Heat Stress and Sport

As the temperature increases, how well you deal with the heat will play a significant role in determining your sporting performance. This month’s hot topic looks at why it’s crucial that athletes of all abilities adapt to the heat and more importantly how best to do it.

The Premier League and Heart Rate Variability

The Premier League is one of the most exciting and competitive leagues to watch and undoubtedly one of the richest. Clubs spend millions on training facilities and sport science departments. The role of a sport science at the very top has changed dramatically over the years. Here’s a look at how heart rate variability (HRV) fits in.