March 22, 2006

Anyone who runs or cycles usually strives to get the best workout possible, but are you working out harder or smarter to get maximum results?

For the past nine months SPEED has been in the works. It stands for: Strength, Power, Endurance Education and Development. According the SPEED staff, its purpose is to help athletes develop their "A" game.

Ian Ayers has been cycling professionally for two years. He's competed with some of the best and like most competitors; he's always looking to get better.

“Everything I do is to just to get that extra second or that extra couple percent," said Ayers. “To have them to be able to analyze this analytically does wonders for me and my confidence.”

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia has made available an analysis that will physically show you what your body is doing while you're running or jogging. UVa has one of few clinics in the nation with this type of advancements.

“We are not just here to flaunt our toys, we really know how to use it and we're happy to do that,” said Jay Dicharry, SPEED Clinic, about the more than $1.5 million dollars worth equipment. “Everything that we are doing has been evaluated over and over again and proven with research papers."

By placing censers on your body, the SPEED staff can show you how to angle your body making your workout smarter, not harder.

"In some cases," Dicharry said, "athletes can get 5, 10, 15, even 20% increases in efficiency by changing your technique. So it's not just that you're training harder; it's changing the way you train to optimize your muscle strength and flexibility."

If you’re interested in having an analysis, it can cost anywhere from $75-$350. You can call Dicharry at 434-243-5605.