RepOne Academy Articles

What is VBT?

Written by RepOne Strength | Oct 10, 2022 11:00:00 AM

What is VBT?

If you’re like me, it’s difficult to know whether or not I’m improving each week, or how difficult a set really was. Having objective feedback can reduce uncertainty when it comes to training, and this is where velocity based training (VBT) shines.

VBT involves the implementation of either an inertial measurement unit, cameras, or a linear position transducer to monitor the speed of a barbell movement or exercise.

More specifically, the Repone Sensor is a linear position transducer that is implemented for VBT to measure velocity (meters per second) of a lift to help the user make more informed training decisions. 

Why would we use VBT?

Often, it can be difficult to determine whether or not we are exerting too little effort or overreaching within a training session. RepOne sensors take the mystery out of your lifts: are you feeling slow today, or actually lifting more slowly?

The implementation of a Repone Sensor and VBT protocol can aid in precision within a training cycle while alleviating the uncertainty of loading, frequency, volume, and rest parameters.

Furthermore, there are two primary motivations for the use of VBT:

1. Informed Decision Making

Readiness to perform fluctuates throughout a training cycle, and a way to manage this is through the implementation of VBT. Mean velocity, velocity-loss, minimum velocity, maximum velocity, and peak velocity are just some of the data that can be tracked from RepOne Sensor

Tracking these values can help build context in our training, improving our ability to make informed future decisions to enhance the effectiveness of our training outcomes. Your RepOne Sensor will be the ultimate guide to making the best choices within a session, and between-sessions for prescribing volume, load, and reps.

2. Real-time Guidance

It is very common within a session to question whether a set was too heavy or light. Moreover, the implementation of VBT can assist with dynamic adjustments to loading and volume based on daily readiness and performance. 

Data from VBT can provide instant feedback on the speed of movements which allows for us to aim more accurately towards the moving target that is daily performance. Additionally, instant feedback can increase motivation and drive competitiveness within an athletic setting.

TL;DR: VBT and the RepOne sensor give you more data, for better results.