The second smaller test uses the equipment to measure something called FVC. This stands for Forced Vital Capacity and is a good measure of overall lung function. The test simply involves taking the biggest breath you can and then slowly exhaling for a count of 15 seconds.

This test shows how well you can use your lungs and if required we can build training into your programme to help this capacity improve. Breathing mechanics is a huge area that can be explored to further both health and performance.

The third part of the test collects data from your body when active. We normally use a dedicated top of the range Wattbike for this and a fitness test called a ramp test.

After a 3 min slow warm up the bike increases the intensity every 1 minute until you can’t continue. This part takes between 9 and 12 mins and is tailored for your current fitness level and experience. You decide when to stop so it’s basically up to you how hard this is. Saying that, the design of the test is to take you to a point that you can’t continue, essentially exhaustion, so you must be comfortable pushing yourself. If you’ve been training recently you will be fine, it is only the last 2 to 3 mins that are tough.

Once you stop you have a 2-and-a-half minute recovery where the equipment looks at how well your body returns to a rested state – The data we gather from this is incredible.

It can tell us how well your body can work throughout all the different energy systems and identifies areas that are strong and those that perhaps need more attention. In addition, it uses various algorithms and metrics such as your V02 max to show how well your biological age compares to your actual age – this is seen as a great way to summarise how healthy your body is.

Lastly, it sets accurate heart rate zones which can be extremely useful to target various goals.