Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS): What It Is and How to Use It in Your Training

Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS) is an essential concept for athletes looking to optimize their performance in endurance sports, such as cycling and running. MAS represents the minimum speed at which your body reaches its maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂ max). In other words, it’s the slowest speed at which you’re using your full aerobic capacity to produce energy.

Why is MAS important?

Understanding your MAS allows you to adjust your training in a personalized and efficient way. Using MAS as a reference can help you improve endurance, increase power, and optimize overall performance. Additionally, MAS is closely related to your VO₂ max, one of the key indicators of aerobic capacity.

How to Calculate Your MAS

Although the most accurate way to determine MAS is through laboratory testing, there are practical methods you can use to estimate it:

  • 6-Minute Field Test
    Perform a maximum effort for 6 minutes on a flat surface and record your average speed. This value will be an approximation of your MAS.
  • Using GPS Devices or Cycling Computers
    These devices help measure your average speed during similar efforts.
  • Based on VO₂ Max
    If you know your VO₂ max in ml/kg/min, divide that value by 3.5 to estimate your MAS. For example, a VO₂ max of 60 ml/kg/min corresponds to an MAS of approximately 17.1 km/h.

How to Use MAS in Training

Once you know your MAS, you can use it to structure more effective training sessions. Here are some practical applications:

1. Define Training Zones

MAS can serve as a foundation for setting different intensity zones:

  • <60% of MAS: Active recovery.
  • 60-80% of MAS: Improve aerobic endurance.
  • >90% of MAS: High-intensity intervals to boost VO₂ max.

2. Interval Training (HIIT)

Performing intervals between 90% and 110% of MAS can significantly improve your aerobic capacity. For example:

  • Suggested Exercise: 5 sets of 3 minutes at 100% of your MAS, with 3 minutes of active recovery between sets.

3. Track Progress

Monitoring and comparing your MAS over time is an effective way to measure improvements in your fitness level.

Optimize Your Training with TrainerPlan

At TrainerPlan, you can use MAS as a key metric to personalize your workouts. Our platform allows you to:

  • Define training zones based on your MAS.
  • Create specific plans that include maximum efforts and personalized intervals.
  • Track your progress and analyze how high-intensity sessions impact your aerobic capacity.

With TrainerPlan, you can train smarter and maximize your results.

Conclusion

Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS) is a powerful tool that connects your physiological performance to practical training. Understanding and applying MAS in your sessions will not only help you train more effectively but also achieve your goals faster. Start incorporating MAS into your routine today with the help of TrainerPlan!