Category: product announcements

At SELFLOOPS, we are committed to providing athletes and coaches with cutting-edge tools to analyze and improve sports performance. We are excited to introduce a new set of Running Metrics to our platform, offering deeper insights into running efficiency and biomechanics. These metrics are essential for runners of all levels, from beginners looking to refine their technique to elite athletes aiming for peak performance.

Why Running Metrics Matter

Running is not just about speed and endurance; efficiency and technique play a crucial role in performance and injury prevention. By tracking detailed running metrics, coaches and athletes can identify areas of improvement, fine-tune running form, and make data-driven training adjustments.

The new Running Metrics now available on SELFLOOPS include:

1. Step Length

Definition: The distance covered per step while running.

• What It Tells You: A longer step length can indicate efficient propulsion, while a short step length might suggest inefficiencies or muscular limitations.
• How It Helps: Monitoring this metric helps optimize stride mechanics, preventing overstriding (which increases injury risk) or understriding (which reduces speed).
• SELFLOOPS Features: Displays average step length and a detailed chart to track variations during a run.

2. Vertical Ratio

Definition: The ratio of vertical oscillation (up-and-down movement) to step length.

• What It Tells You: A lower vertical ratio means more energy is being used for forward motion rather than wasted in vertical movement.
• How It Helps: Reducing unnecessary vertical movement can improve running economy and efficiency.
• SELFLOOPS Features: Calculates the average vertical ratio and presents a chart for visual analysis.

3. Vertical Oscillation

Definition: The amount of vertical movement (bounce) in each stride, measured in centimeters.

• What It Tells You: Too much vertical oscillation means excessive energy is being lost in upward movement instead of propelling forward.
• How It Helps: Coaches and runners can adjust stride mechanics and muscle engagement to reduce unnecessary bounce, leading to more efficient running.
• SELFLOOPS Features: Displays average vertical oscillation for post-run analysis.

4. Ground Contact Time (GCT)

Definition: The time (in milliseconds) that a runner’s foot spends in contact with the ground per step.

• What It Tells You: Shorter ground contact time is generally associated with more efficient, explosive strides, while longer contact time can indicate inefficient mechanics or fatigue.
• How It Helps: Reducing ground contact time can improve cadence and running efficiency, making each stride more powerful.
• SELFLOOPS Features: Provides average ground contact time and a chart to visualize fluctuations.

5. Ground Contact Time Balance

Definition: The percentage of ground contact time distributed between the left and right foot.

• What It Tells You: A significant imbalance may indicate muscle weakness, injury risk, or biomechanical inefficiencies.
• How It Helps: Ensuring an even balance helps prevent injuries and improve symmetry in running form.
• SELFLOOPS Features: Calculates the percentage balance between the left and right foot to detect asymmetries.

How Coaches & Athletes Benefit from These Metrics

1. Identify Inefficiencies – By tracking these key metrics, athletes can pinpoint weaknesses in their running form.
2. Prevent Injuries – Imbalances in ground contact time and excessive vertical oscillation can increase injury risk. Early detection allows for corrective action.
3. Optimize Performance – Fine-tuning step length, ground contact time, and vertical movement leads to more energy-efficient running.
4. Personalized Coaching – Coaches can use these data points to design customized training plans and provide real-time feedback for improvements.

Start Analyzing Your Running Metrics Today!

SELFLOOPS is dedicated to bringing advanced performance-tracking tools to athletes and coaches worldwide. With the new Running Metrics, you can gain deeper insights into your running mechanics and make data-driven improvements.

Ready to elevate your running efficiency? Log into your SELFLOOPS account and start analyzing your runs today!

Stay strong, run smart, and train with precision.

At SELFLOOPS, we are committed to empowering athletes and coaches with the most advanced tools to analyze, optimize, and elevate sports performance.

Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant step forward in our mission: the introduction of Cycling Dynamics Metrics for cyclists using a bike power meter. These new metrics are designed to provide deeper insights into your cycling performance, helping you leave nothing to chance as you focus on science, physiology, and data-driven improvement.

Cycling is no longer just about power output and speed. With the latest advancements in technology, we can now dive into the finer details of your pedal stroke, balance, and efficiency. These new metrics are a game-changer for cyclists looking to refine their technique, optimize their training, and ultimately perform at their best.

Introducing the New Cycling Dynamics Metrics

Here’s a breakdown of the new metrics now available on the SELFLOOPS platform:

1) Left/Right Balance (Average L/R)

This metric shows the distribution of power between your left and right legs during a ride. Ideally, cyclists aim for a 50/50 balance, but imbalances are common and can lead to inefficiencies or even injuries. By tracking your Left/Right Balance, you can identify asymmetries and work on correcting them through targeted training.

2) Pedal Smoothness (Average L/R)

Pedal Smoothness measures how evenly you apply force throughout your pedal stroke. A smoother pedal stroke is more efficient and reduces wasted energy. This metric helps you understand your pedaling technique and identify areas where you can improve your efficiency, especially during high-intensity efforts.

3) Torque Effectiveness (Average L/R)

Torque Effectiveness evaluates how effectively you are using your power during the downstroke phase of your pedal stroke. It compares the useful force applied to the total force generated. A higher Torque Effectiveness score means you’re making the most of your energy output, which is critical for endurance and performance.

4) CP, W’ (Settings), W’Balance (Chart)

• CP (Critical Power): This is the highest power output you can sustain for a prolonged period. It’s a key metric for understanding your aerobic capacity and setting training zones.
• W’ (Anaerobic Work Capacity): This represents your ability to perform high-intensity efforts above your CP. It’s a measure of your anaerobic reserves.
• W’Balance (Chart): This dynamic chart shows how much of your W’ you’ve used during a ride and how it recovers over time. It’s an invaluable tool for pacing during races or hard efforts, ensuring you don’t burn out too soon.

Why These Metrics Matter

Cycling is a sport of precision, and these metrics provide the granularity needed to fine-tune every aspect of your performance. Whether you’re a professional cyclist or a dedicated amateur, understanding your Left/Right Balance, Pedal Smoothness, Torque Effectiveness, and anaerobic capacity can help you:

• Identify inefficiencies in your pedal stroke and correct them.
• Optimize your training by focusing on specific weaknesses.
• Pace yourself better during races or long rides using W’Balance.
• Prevent injuries by addressing imbalances and asymmetries.

Innovation at the Heart of SELFLOOPS

At SELFLOOPS, we believe that performance improvement is rooted in science, data, and innovation. These new Cycling Dynamics Metrics are a testament to our commitment to providing athletes and coaches with the most advanced tools available. By integrating these metrics into our platform, we are setting a new standard for cycling analytics, enabling you to train smarter, perform better, and achieve your goals with confidence.

Conclusion

The introduction of Cycling Dynamics Metrics on the SELFLOOPS platform marks a significant leap forward in cycling performance analysis. These metrics go beyond traditional power and speed data, offering unparalleled insights into your technique, efficiency, and physiological capabilities. With SELFLOOPS, you’re not just tracking your performance—you’re mastering it.

Ready to take your cycling to the next level? Log in to SELFLOOPS today and explore the new metrics that are set to transform the way you train, race, and perform.

Leave nothing to chance. Embrace the science of performance with SELFLOOPS.

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Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and bring you the tools you need to succeed. Ride strong, ride smart, and let SELFLOOPS guide your journey to greatness.