Testimonials

"Ken, working with you the last year has made a huge difference in my training. Having the opportunity to do both the running and the cycling tests have shown me what I need to do to improve in each discipline. You have taught me how to train smart instead of just training harder which has enabled me to refine my training schedule to maximize the time I have available to train. I am looking forward to my next test to check my progress and further dial in my training. Thanks for all your help." Steve Koci (TCSD member)

Two years ago Ken did my numbers and it really made a difference in my results. I dropped about 20+ minutes on my 1/2 IM distance time on the same race course. I think where it made the most difference was that I actually knew what my heart rate zone numbers were beyond an educated guess. Because of this I tried very hard to use them consistently in my coached workouts.

This year motivation has been lacking so I am back up 10+ pounds and have been doing only the minimum to keep a reasonable amount of fitness. I am planning on doing Longhorn 1/2 distance in October in Austin, so I am going to suck it up and have Ken get me set straight again. Not looking forward to my numbers, I am carrying a body fat percentage comparable to a double-double(you are what you eat), but come October I think I will be stoked I did it. At $____, this is probably the least expensive thing you can do to get your training dialed in.
Brian Long (TCSD member)
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“Ken, I did receive some valuable information. I realized that my lactate threshold is lower than I imagined, that I have plenty of room for improvement, that my slow runs (zone 2) are too slow and that my fast runs (zone 5) are too fast. I should be in zones 3 and 4 for my faster workouts, instead of solely in zone 5. By using your information and test results, I don’t have to train more or harder to get faster. I just have to do it right, something that you taught me and which I didn’t learn in my previous 10 years of racing.” Thanks, John Feher (TCSD member)

“Ken, I found the testing and your explanations to be of enormous help to my training. Not only did I get a detailed, scientific understanding of where I am, but more importantly your results gave me direction on how to improve. Of particular benefit are the training zones. My estimated zones turned out to be off and I was spending too much time training in the dreaded “gray zone”: too fast for base aerobic but too slow for AT improvement. Your generous answers to my email questions have provided further clarity. I have since adjusted my efforts and the training for my first IM is well on its way. I am excited to get back in your lab in late January to see how I am progressing. If anyone would like a personal referral, please forward them my contact info. Thanks again and I will see you in January.” Sean P Purcell (TCSD member)

Ken, Thanks so much for a great experience. I'm really happy with the information I received through this test. I've worked with two different online coaches, and both incorporated heart rate training into my training plan. I was always frustrated with the heart rate zones they had figured out for me, because I didn't feel like they were helping me improve my fitness. After taking the VO2 max/ LT tests, now I know that the zones my online coaches worked out for me were off. I'm excited to train for next season with accurate zones, and I've already noticed a difference with my base training zones that I received from you. Thanks so much for a great experience, it's been something I've always wanted to do for the past 5 years, and I finally had the opportunity with Fit-Stop!

Thanks so much, Sally Boettger (TCSD member)

With regards to Lactate Threshhold and VO2 max testing, I highly recommend Ken Nicodemus (The Fit Stop Human Performance Lab). I worked with him in January, and he gave me a very complete analysis of my complete cardio-metabolic profile, including lactate threshold, VO2 max, metabolic efficiency, as well as lots of info on what all these things mean and how to incorporate it into your training. Additionally, he will give you a discount for being a member of the TCSD. Lastly, I bought a package through him (Suunto T3 watch and testing package), which ended up being a really awesome deal, because you can use a lot of the information from the test and plug it into your brand new watch and you have a great training tool right there on your wrist. Anyway, that's my plug of the day. I would recommend Ken to anyone.

Pat Drain (TCSD member)

Dear Ken, I want to thank you for your support and inspiration in my training. In the past my workout habits were inconsistent at best. I could not keep my motivation up for longer than a couple of months. Since signing up to do on-line training with you I have consistently been exercising, and continuing to get stronger and faster for over 2 years. I have been able to maintain a consistent goal weight without the 10 pound fluctuation I used to have. I appreciate your ability to develop a program that will help me meet my goals, and also to be flexible when I have family or travel commitments. The core workouts that can be done in a hotel room have been a great help! I am so happy that I am able to run long distances again after my knee injury, with the careful training plan you set up. The best part is your caring attitude and friendly emails that keep me wanting to exercise even when I otherwise might not! Thank you!

Aubyn Stahmer; Online Coaching Client

I have had amazing results using your test guidelines! I dropped 15 lbs. within 8 weeks after my return from the Golden Door and have continued to lose more. I have lost 28 lbs. almost effortlessly! After YEARS of exercising with no weight-loss results, I seemed to shrink before everyone's eyes. EVERYONE has been asking me what I have done! I have gone from a size 12/14ish to between a size 8 and size 6, from old lady clothes and attitude to shopping in the Juniors department! If you had a testing facility in Durham, you could definitely stay busy!! I went to a local fitness testing lab in the hopes of checking my levels now that I've achieved such wonderful results. The closest test they had was their VO2 Max test. The protocol must have been different because I was not satisfied with the results or the methods they used in the testing. I can't wait until February when I return to The Door so that I can retest with your company. Best regards from a woman whose life you have changed!

Thanks Ken for providing me a state of the art approach to my training. The testing information has been important to giving me the knowledge I need to better construct training workouts.

Addy Goodvibes; Adventure racer on the Balance Bar Adventure racing team and Champions of the Balance Bar Adventure Race Sprint Series in 2003.

Hi Ken, thanks for all your help and time on Monday. It (i.e., cardio-metabolic assessment) really was on of the best experiences I’ve had in training.

Your participation as our provider for blood screenings, hydrostatic weighing, and fitness assessments have been a real highlight of our annual Wellness Week activities and Health Expo. I really appreciate your professionalism and hard work…I respect your knowledge, your integrity and your commitment to this industry. It’s a privilege to work with you and I look forward to offering more of your programs to our employees in the years to come.

Jill Dorris; Wellness Consultant to ResMed Corp. and prior President of the San Diego Wellness Coalition.