THRESH-hold SESH-yun
Noun, Noun
A threshold session is a type of intense interval training workout.
Example usage: 'I'm going to do a threshold session this afternoon to improve my speed and power.'
Most used in: Duathlon training circles.
Most used by: Duathletes who are looking to improve their speed and power.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: FTP Test, Sweet Spot Training, Anaerobic Capacity Intervals, Lactate Threshold Intervals,
What is a Threshold Session?
A threshold session is a type of cycling training session that focuses on improving the rider’s lactate threshold. The lactate threshold is the point at which lactic acid starts to build up in the muscles, and is an important factor in determining how fast and how long a rider can sustain a given effort. The goal of a threshold session is to increase the rider’s lactate threshold, so they can sustain higher intensity efforts over longer periods of time.
A typical threshold session will involve periods of hard effort followed by periods of rest, and is typically done at a power output level just below the rider’s lactate threshold. This allows the rider to build up their aerobic endurance and improve their lactate threshold, without pushing them too hard. Depending on the rider’s goals, a threshold session may last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more.
Threshold sessions are an important part of any cyclist’s training regimen, and can help improve the rider’s overall performance. Studies have shown that regular threshold sessions can improve a rider’s VO2 max by up to 15%, and their time to exhaustion by up to 30%.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term “Threshold Session”
The term “Threshold Session” was first used in the cycling world in the late 1980s in Europe. It was originally used to refer to a type of training session that was designed to increase a cyclist’s maximum power output.
The concept of “Threshold Session” was first developed by French cycling coach Pierre Rivory. He observed that cyclists could increase their maximum power output by riding at or near their lactate threshold. This is the point at which their muscles start to produce lactic acid faster than it can be cleared from the body.
Rivory also noticed that by riding at or near their lactate threshold, cyclists could increase their aerobic capacity and muscular endurance. He developed “Threshold Session” as a way to help cyclists achieve these goals.
Today, “Threshold Session” is widely used in the cycling world as a way to increase a cyclist’s maximum power output. It is a popular training method for competitive cyclists, and it is also used by recreational cyclists who want to improve their performance.
