Training Stimuli

At Vekta, each training session is associated with a specific stimulus that reflects the physiological demands of the session. By analyzing the intervals and energy systems targeted, we identify the primary stimulus to give you a clear understanding of what you are working toward.

Below is an overview of the training stimuli Vekta can detect and assign to your sessions:

Training Stimulus	Description	Primary Aim	Physiological Foundation	Typical Characteristics
Neuromuscular	Short, extreme-intensity efforts for maximum force and power development	Peak power & force development	Targets the neuromuscular system; relies on anaerobic energy	Less than 20 seconds, > 180% of Critical Power
Anaerobic	Short, high-intensity efforts lasting under 3 minutes	Anaerobic capacity & fast-twitch muscle fiber development	Engages the anaerobic glycolytic system	20 sec – 3 min, 130% – 180% of Critical Power
VO2max	Intervals near or at VO2max to increase aerobic capacity	Maximum aerobic power development	Enhances cardiovascular efficiency & oxygen uptake	30 sec – 8 min, 105% – 130% of Critical Power
Threshold	Efforts at or slightly below Critical Power to boost endurance	Critical Power development	Enhances metabolic efficiency and high power sustainability	Less than 60 min, 90% – 105% of Critical Power
Aerobic	Low to moderate-intensity sessions to build endurance	Endurance development	Improves the aerobic energy system & efficiency	More than 10 min, 70% – 90% of Critical Power
Recovery	Low-intensity sessions to aid post-training recovery	Muscle recovery & fatigue reduction	Promotes muscle repair and metabolic waste removal	Very low-intensity, post-race, or intense training
Lactate Clearance	Sessions focused on improving lactate clearance during high-intensity efforts	Enhanced recovery capacity & endurance	Improves lactate clearance efficiency in prolonged efforts	High-intensity intervals with recovery periods
Durability	Sessions that test or build tolerance to fatigue	Fatigue resistance & performance under fatigue	Increases fatigue resistance in prolonged training	Performed after significant energy expenditure
Activation	Preparatory sessions with low-intensity work and brief higher-intensity intervals.	Preparation for race or reintroduction of intensity	System-wide preparation, neural to energetic	Low intensity, with short periods of variable higher intensity
Test	All-out efforts to assess fitness and set benchmarks	Benchmark establishment for tailored training	Evaluates key metrics like power, endurance, VO2max	Maximum effort, used to determine training zones
Race	Competitive events where athletes apply training in real-world conditions	Peak performance under competition conditions	Challenges all energy systems & tactical execution	High-intensity, tactical racing environment

How Vekta Uses Training Stimuli

Once Vekta detects the intervals in your session, it assigns the most relevant training stimulus based on the intensity, duration, and energy systems engaged. For example, a session that includes intense sprint intervals will likely be associated with a Neuromuscular stimulus, while a long, steady-state ride may be classified as an Aerobic stimulus.

If your session includes multiple types of intervals or intensity ranges, Vekta will assign the most significant stimulus.

Why Training Stimuli Matter

Understanding the training stimuli behind each session helps athletes and coaches align sessions with broader training goals. Whether you're working on building endurance, sharpening your race-day performance, or focusing on recovery, each stimulus is directly tied to physiological changes that occur as a result of targeted training.

By paying attention to the stimuli in your sessions, you can:

Optimize Training Load: Ensure you're balancing high-intensity efforts with adequate recovery.
Target-Specific Adaptations: Tailor your training to improve endurance, power, or lactate clearance based on your needs.
Track Progress: See how your training evolves and how different stimuli contribute to long-term performance gains.