Mounrt Sinai with Ann Marie Miller
Mt. Sinai Presentation
Ann Marie Miller, MA
January 28, 2014
On Tuesday, January 28 I had the pleasure of doing a presentation on “Physiological Testing for the Endurance Athlete” for Dr. Christopher Sahler’s Residents at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Dr. Sahler had contacted Chelsea Piers requesting someone to speak on physiological testing and how we used this information in training. About 20 residents attended the presentation in the Hess Building, a conference center that is part of the Mt. Sinai Hospital complex.
After introducing myself, I gave a brief overview of Endurance and Multisport programs at Chelsea Piers, as well as the facilities at the Sports Center, including an indoor quarter-mile running track, 25 yard pool, group fitness studios, strength and cardio equipment training areas, basketball courts, sand volleyball court and our Computrainer Studio featuring a fit station and testing area. I also described the types of athletes we see at Chelsea Piers, including everything from experienced, elite triathletes, runners and cyclists, as well as recreational athletes, fitness enthusiasts and novice athletes.
I explained why we perform physiological testing for Endurance Athletes, and what we hope to learn from the tests. The residents were very interested in hearing about the procedures for the types of testing we perform, Lactate Threshold tests, Exercise VO2Max tests, Resting Metabolic Rate tests and indoor Field Tests. I described the protocols we use, and discussed the equipment involved and how important it is to interview and screen athletes before testing in order to choose the appropriate protocol, and begin the testing at the optimal intensity.
I reviewed how we use the test results in designing training programs, and when to re-test to see if the goals of training have been achieved, as well as to update the athlete’s training zones and program for continued progress. The residents had many pertinent questions after the presentation, and we had a great Q & A session to conclude the event. I was thrilled to have such a warm and enthusiastic reception, and to have the opportunity to show what we do at the Performance Center at Chelsea Piers to help athletes reach their goals. My thanks to Dr. Christopher Sahler of Mt. Sinai Hospital to allow me to share a part of our program with his staff.
