Ms. Hunsa Apanukul, Senior Marketing Manager of Garmin Thailand, says, "Garmin has continuously supported athletes in collecting the data and tracking the progress out of conviction that TRAIN SMARTER practices will enable athletes to unlock their full potential, reduce injuries, and enhance recovery. Moreover, we are confident that the TRAIN SMARTER philosophy will help athletes transition into professional sports with peak physical readiness. GARMIN ATHLETE PROGRAM is another initiative for developing NUMBER CRUNCHING ATHLETES and empowering them to effectively use training data to further improve their performance in a tangible way."
GARMIN ATHLETE PROGRAM aims to nurture athletes across all disciplines of #GarminTeamTH - from runners to triathletes and trail runners - and equip them withthe DNA of 'NUMBER-CRUNCHING SKILL' and advance Thailand's sport circles through cutting-edge technology in sports science and Garmin smartwatches' features for collecting the data and tracking the progress. This initiative is rooted in the firm belief that TRAIN SMARTER will keep athletes competitive and stronger longer. Beyond fostering this mindset, Garmin provides its athletes with financial incentives, smartwatches, and comprehensive physical and recovery evaluation packages so that they can perform their best.
The fitness test for #GarminTeamTH team members under GARMIN ATHLETE PROGRAM consists of: 1) VO2Max test, which measures cardiovascular capacity, and 2) Running Analysis, which evaluates running posture to identify potential injury risks. Both are held at the Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University.
- VO2Max (Maximal Oxygen Consumption) is a key indicator of the body's ability to utilize oxygen during intense physical activity. It reflects the efficiency and fitness of the heart and lungs. A higher VO2Max means the body can consume more oxygen, leading to greater endurance and improved exercise efficiency. Tossaporn Yimlamai, Ph.D., Chairman of Sports Performance Enhancement, Faculty of Sports Science, Chulalongkorn University, says, "VO2Max can be measured through various methods, one of which is by wearing a smartwatch that tracks heart rate and physical activity. When athletes or fitness enthusiasts know their VO2Max, they gain a clearer understanding of their physical limits. This insight allows them to optimize their training plans, enabling more efficient and effective workouts."
- Running Analysis is a 3D motion analysis of running mechanics aimed at identifying limitations and improving performance. This analysis helps pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses in an athlete's running form, providing insights into how to enhance it more effectively. Associate Professor Chaipat Lawsirirat, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Sport Science, Chulalongkorn University says, "Continuous monitoring is therefore a key element. If runners have their own smartwatches, they can also extract relevant data from those devices to track and monitor their progress over time."
"Users of Garmin smartwatch may retrieve VO2Max and Running Dynamics or A comprehensive dataset that enables in-depth analysis of running form data from their device. Available are data based on seven indicators: Ground Contact Time (GCT), Ground Contact Time Balance (GCTB), Cadence, Stride Length, Vertical Oscillation, Vertical Ratio and Running Power. By analyzing both VO2Max and Running Dynamics, athletes gain a deeper understanding of their physical capabilities. This insight is highly valuable for planning and adapting training programs. It helps improve running form, enhance overall performance, and effectively prevent potential injuries caused by improper training. The advantage of using a Garmin smartwatch is the ability to continuously monitor these metrics during every workout, ensuring a consistent stream of data for ongoing improvement," Ms. Hunsa says.
Associate Professor Chaipat Lawsirirat, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Sport Science, Chulalongkorn University, says, "Data is definitely king. Starting to incorporate data into training early on is a smart move. The application is both science and art, requiring both knowledge and experience. In my opinion, Garmin's focus on sports science bodes well as it promises to help athletes stay in good shape and perform well in the long run".
Wichaya "Paekpao" Saechang, a runner and a member of #GarminTeamTH under GARMIN ATHLETES PROGRAM, says, "For runners, having a smartwatch that collects valuable data during training is incredibly important. The device helps us identify both our strengths and the areas that need improvement - insights that can be used to fine-tune our training plans and tailor them to suit our individual needs. Personally, I've been using a Garmin smartwatch and have applied the data it provides to my own training—with increasingly satisfactory results. I truly appreciate Garmin's dedication to continuously developing new features and functions, and I believe that the opportunity to become part of the Garmin family today will help me become the best version of myself."
Anucha Pada, a runner and a member of #GarminTeamTH under GARMIN ATHLETES PROGRAM, says, "Getting started has always been the hardest part for me. I used to train purely based on feelings. But that meant I could never truly tell whether I was training too hard or too lightly. Now, I've started learning more about running data through the use of a Garmin smartwatch. Thanks to Garmin, I have recognized that I should balance my rest and training times. Some may think it's a simple or minor thing, but it's in fact an important aspect for athletes. Today, I would like to thank Garmin for helping me understand more about such data."
Intouch "In" Jongjaijit, a runner and a member of #GarminTeamTH under GARMIN ATHLETES PROGRAM, says, "Discipline in training is something every athlete focuses on. But for me, training hard, long, and consistently—without direction—can lead to burnout without real progress. That's why collecting data and adjusting my training plan accordingly is at the core of my routine. I truly believe that once the body is injured, it's difficult to return to its original state. But if we train with a deep understanding of our bodies and allow for proper recovery, the chances of injury are greatly reduced."
"GARMIN ATHLETE PROGRAM serves as a vital platform to instill and promote the use of training data for crafting personalized, effective workout plans. Our initiative brings together athletes, coaches, and Garmin's partners for a shared mission of empowering high-potential athletes and allowing them to compete in their peak physical condition and achieve their best performances," Ms. Hunsa concludes.
Source: Moonshot Digital