2 min read
First thoughts of Training Peaks
Over the past few weeks I have been using Training Peaks to analyse my triathlon training. This is a powerful application and I am still getting to grips with all of it's wonderful data, but for now I thought it'd be nice to share my initial thoughts on it!
Obviously the first thing to mention is the UI of this platform. Comparing it to it's competitors which I have used in the past - Strava and Train xHale, this app is ALL about the data. If you enjoy charts, graphs, tables and numbers, this is for you. Whilst the other applications holds back on some areas of data - mainly because the average user probably doesn't need it all, Training Peaks literally shows you everything. What's great about it though is that all this data is optional and customisable. So you can cater the pages to your own needs. This I feel is much better than simply not having the option to access all data, like the rest of it's competitors.
A stand-out feature that I have not come across in any other platforms is the Performance Management chart. This is a dynamic chart which in essence shows your fitness level over a period of time. Very useful for using to taper for specific events, making sure you are at peak fitness and not overly fatigued. What's great is that this chart can be changed per activity type and also timescale. So you can see how much you have improved swimming over the last year. As you can see from the screenshot below, my swimming fitness was getting better and better, right up until first getting hit by a car, and then the biggy of breaking my collar bone. Back to square one eh!
Another thing to mention about Training Peaks is something outside of the application. They have created a really impressive blog which coincides with the application and includes insightful articles on training, nutrition, coaching and other nerdy sport-based topics which I love.
This is great as it shows that the system is constantly being updated, and helps other people learn how to better the quality of their training, which is what this application is all about.
There are also sometimes articles which showcase data of professional athletes events, so us mere mortals can drool over their numbers and data! Check out Data Analysis: Highlights from the first week of the Vuelta for some pro numbers!
I am still learning how to get the most out of this application, but I can safely say that after using it for a few weeks, this is my kind of app. It's competitors have their own unique advantages, but for me, this is what it's all about.
Go take a look for yourself, get signed up and come join the number club!
A few months ago I also reviewed Train xHale, a similar platform. Take a look at what I thought of that platform here.
I'm Tom, a Web Developer at Shape - when I'm not making slick Craft CMS websites, I'm usually eating Peanut Butter or riding my bike.
