TriFit is a video-based online training system from BeFitApps, developed by Chamonix-based physiotherapist Neil Maclean-Martin and Triathlon Europe head coach and World Champion triathlete Fiona Ford.
Suitable for all levels, this new fitness programme is aimed specifically at improving performance by screening for weaknesses and imbalances, helping improve technique and injury prevention.
TriFit is specifically designed for triathletes and offers a series of high-quality exercise sessions lasting 10 to 12 minutes. The video-based programme is split into swim, bike and run and each section contains guided exercises addressing screening, prehabilitation, core work, drills and stretching. It has been structured to allow triathletes to build it into their existing training schedules.
TriFit uses video to demonstrate the exercises, which are led by physiotherapist Neil Maclean-Martin. A musculoskeletal sports injuries specialists, he is regarded as ‘one of Europe’s leading sports physiotherapists’.
Having treated injuries that he believed could have been prevented by correcting muscle imbalances and screening for faults fundamental to movement patterns, he conceived the idea of a ‘prehabilitation’ programme and TriFit is the result.
“Triathlon is an endurance sport based on consistency of training and it never ceases to amaze me that even tiny imperfections in people’s movements can lead to common and preventable injuries,” commented Neil.
“I wanted to create a programme which would enable triathletes to reach their full potential. TriFit is designed to be incorporated into individual day-to-day training programmes and to give athletes confidence in their movement. The results are better athletes who can move faster because they have improved their efficiency, but can also train more consistently because they pick up fewer injuries.”
Neil partnered with Triathlon Europe, a ‘leading provider of innovative athlete-centric training plans’, and its founder Fiona Ford to craft the TriFit programme. A Triathlon Level 3 coach and double European and World Champion amateur triathlete at ITU distance, Fiona also raced Pro at IRONMAN distance, consistently achieving top ten finishes. The new online training programme harnesses their combined wealth of knowledge.
“I am very excited at just how much TriFit is going to enhance and complement the coaching work that I do with individual athletes,” explained Fiona. “As a Pro athlete who was racing and also had a full-time job, I quickly discovered the significant performance gains that regular strength, conditioning and functional training provided.
“As a coach I know that understanding an individual’s athletic profile is essential to progress and successful performance. By knowing where strengths and weaknesses exist, training can be completely tailored to develop a strong swimmer, cyclist or runner, enhanced by specific strength and conditioning.
“I also appreciate the value of holistic training having worked closely with Neil when he helped my rehabilitation back to multi-sport competition following a very serious bike accident in 2012. That programme of exercise with a specific focus on swim, bike and run, and developed from such a depth of knowledge of human physiology and function in demanding sports such as triathlon, was both a huge motivator and also the source of confidence during a time of great uncertainty about my future in sport.”
TriFit is priced at £19.99 (annual subscription) and includes bonus videos on strength training using steps, barefoot techniques and sandpits. It is available now on befitapps.com and will be available on the iTunes App Store and GooglePlay from the beginning of April 2015.
