Who performs the testing?

Chris Eschbach, Ph.D. is the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Meredith College, providing detailed physiological feedback to athletes. Not only a scientist but an athlete, Dr. Eschbach is a 7 time Ironman Triathlon finisher (including 4 World Championships in Hawaii). His personal bests include a 9:24 Ironman, 4:02 1/2 Ironman, and a 1:51 for an Olympic Distance event. Chris received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Chris Newport, HFI is the coordinator of the Human Performance Laboratory as well as a competitive endurance athlete. Chris is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health fitness Instructor, a USA Triathlon certified coach, and is currently working towards a Masters degree in Nutrition that will strengthen her background and interests in Exercise Science.

 

Meredith College Exercise and Sport Science majors also observe and assist with assessments taking place within the laboratory. Meredith College and the Exercise and Sports Science program are dedicated to supporting the growth of students by providing them with hands on experience and the opportunity to explore potential research questions.

What is the best time of the season to do the testing?

Testing can be done at any time point during your season. Coming in for testing when the athlete is ready to begin a new phase of training will give guidance to reach the new level of fitness. A second test may be done mid season or 4-8 weeks prior to a key race to adjust training and examine changes that may have taken place.

Why perform testing in the lab?

The HPL provides an unbiased assessment of your fitness. The laboratory staff has a background in both education and athletic experience that allows individuals to gain the greatest benefit from their testing experience. Physiological testing is not something anyone can perform. Individuals without proper equipment, experience, and or training may not have the ability to optimize your results. Estimations of HR and/or blood lactate alone can be misleading without relation to other physiological variables. Proper assessment requires a multifaceted approach, which our lab provides.

Is testing the magic bullet that will make me an "all star" athlete?

The testing is no magic bullet, like most things it is a tool. Testing is beneficial because it provides specific information for your training plan and gives confidence to training. Providing knowledge of where you need to be with your training zones, substrate utilization, and cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) lets one know where and how the training is going. Of course there is a huge benefit to actually understanding why the zones and results turn out as they do. An overview of the energy systems and fuel for training will be discussed when an athlete comes in. An "all star" athlete is produced through an understanding and implementation of sound training. The two most important factors of performance are training and genetics...you can work on one of those parts.

Will the testing change my training very much?

Many times the the heart rate zones for the athlete will be changed after determination of the threshold (training zones). Depending on the results we will suggest strengthening weaknesses either aerobically (increasing the VO2max) and/or (increasing threshold). Of course training will increase both but if you have a specific weakness you focus on that.

Will someone at the HPL coach me?

We specialize in assessment of fitness. While we do have experience in coaching we do not write extensive plans for individuals. During all testing we will make recommendations for training but do not provided detailed training programs.

For the general fitness testing we can provide general workout plans that would allow an individual to begin a healthy lifestyle. If you have a coach we encourage them to contact us and/or come in with you for testing.

For advanced fitness and performance training we can provide consulting (beyond that which is provided during endurance testing). We can also recommend individuals that coach both small groups and large groups of fitness enthusiasts and/or athletes. We will put you into contact with a coach that is right for you. Contact the laboratory for details.

How is the money used that is obtained from testing?

This money is used to purchase supplies, new equipment, and support Exercise Science majors performing research in the lab. Additionally, the lab is building a scholarship fund for Exercise and Sports Science majors. If donating to the scholarship fund is of interest to you please contact Dr. Chris Eschbach at 919-760-8014.

Phone: (919) 760-8769 - Fax: (919) 760-2341 - hpl@meredith.edu

3800 Hillsborough Street    Raleigh, NC 27607-5298