★ 5

Alyson was great to deal with. Her data is outstanding and is quite patient during the review of the reports. I’m glad I did the tests and look forward to doing them again in the future.

Source: Google

★ 5

Right up front - this is the way to go! I’m far from a distance runner, but I do compete in a sport which requires endurance training. Optimize Performance gave me the no-nonsense breakdown of my current state in a way that made all of the numbers and charts understandable. Beyond that, we were able to discuss best training practices in light of my metabolic results and goals. Highly recommend for anyone looking to level up!

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson is a true professional. She came to the house and spent a couple of hours checking my lactate while I rode my Zwift trainer. After a few bench mark readings, we started at 110 watts and worked our way up about 20 watts at a time up to 225ish. Later that day she provided me with a comprehensive report establishing my threshold at 150. I provided that information to my bike coach who modified my training program to match my fitness level. The test confirmed that I really was working at Z3/Z4 and higher about 80% of my training time which is not a formula for improvement. I highly recommend Alyson to for anyone who wants an indepth understanding of their metabolics while training. It is very empowering. Thanks Alyson. Ernie.

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson was awesome to work with. She was very informative and encouraging, she helped me realize I can push myself harder than I'd previously thought and gave me great guidance throughout the process. After the initial session, she sent me a very thorough, and thoughtfully presented summary of all the data collected during the session and spent time on a call explaining all the results in detail.

Source: Google

★ 5

Working with Alyson has been a fun and educational experience. I contacted Alyson after a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment to begin the process of getting back into endurance sports and training for the 2023 Chicago Marathon. During our meeting and run testing, Alyson very patiently explained each step of the process and provided encouragement as the testing became progressively more difficult. Following the testing, Alyson provided an analysis and report detailing both my athletic performance/abilities and key metrics to improve upon my abilities as a ease back into training. Beyond these reports, I've had several check-in phone conversations with Alyson to discuss my training goals and methods I could employ to achieve those goals. In all of these conversations, Alyson has been genuine, kind, and empathetic, and has taken the time to understand both my needs and abilities as an athlete.

I am extremely thankful that I was able to get linked up with Alyson and Optimize Performance. Coming back from a long illness, I feel that Alyson has provided me with the tools and knowledge I need to train and perform at my best. As my training progresses, I intend to work with Alyson again to continuing measuring my benchmarks and setting new goals.

Source: Google

★ 5

What an amazing experience! Alyson thoroughly explained the process and coached me through the testing. She gave me immediate thoughts following the testing but the deep dive into the data was invaluable. So much of what I was experiencing was explained and I was given tangible takeaways to help elevate my running. I cannot wait to see my results!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic!! My only regret is that I should have done this sooner. The information gathered was invaluable in helping me understand how the body reacts to running at different paces and for different time periods. Once all the data had been collected and analysed, Alyson explained the results and showed me how to incorporate this information into my training schedule. Alyson was a pleasure to work with and very helpful. Highly recommended.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've only really been running consistently for about 4 months now (30F), and while I subscribe to lots of running content so I can stay injury free / run more comfortably / run my first marathon later this year.... nothing beats actually going in and understanding your own personal fitness levels. There is SO MUCH more to running performance than simple metrics, and Alyson did an amazing job de-mystifying all of my results and helping me understand where I'm at and how to progress. Getting an output of what my TRUE running pace ranges should be (and all the fun caveats!!) based on my VO2max / VLamax / heart rate /etc. levels is an absolute game changer for getting faster and not burning out (which I definitely would have done had I not made this appointment!).

Alyson was also just the absolute BEST to work with. Beyond knowledgeable. Once I got my results from my metabolic/VO2 testing... Alyson spent over an hour talking through them with me 1:1 and answering all my many questions (whether it was about my high heart rate, the importance of interval training at certain paces, or even proper fueling before/during runs). Could not be more happy about this experience, and I'd recommend this to literally anybody who runs regularly (even if you're a casual like me)

Source: Google

★ 5

It was enjoyable using Optimize for my lactate threshold testing and run gait analysis. It’s great that testing is performed at location you choose which makes it very accommodating. Alyson was very informative during the testing process. The information generated was initially overwhelming but appreciated how patient she was with my many questions when we reviewed the data generated. I'm looking forward to implementing plan developed and working with Alyson in the future.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm located in the Houston area and was searching for a place to perform in person metabolic testing and running form analysis. I decided to go with Optimize Performance based on reviews and initial phone call with Alyson. She does an excellent job explaining the whole process. Also, really flexible with scheduling and will work with your schedule. We met at a local park in Houston to perform my testing. It was a smooth process and her live feedback on my pacing was valuable to get great data. Following my metabolic testing she recorded my running form. Once again, provided live feedback. I received my metabolic test results later that night and my running form analysis the next day. We scheduled a zoom call and went over my results and analysis. She did a great job explaining the data, training zones, and answering any questions I asked. The running form analysis gave me great insight on my mechanics and what I need to focus on to prevent further injuries. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with the services and feedback provided by Alyson. This will help optimize my marathon training and focus on strengthening muscular imbalances. I highly recommend using Optimize Performance if you want to understand your training zones and be efficient with your training.

Source: Google

★ 5

Easy process to evaluate fitness at home. Very detailed report and follow through. Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson is a true expert in exercise physiology. I was able to use her in person services for lactate testing during intervals and she gave me a full analysis of my threshold power, power zones, recovery times, and a multitude of other parameters to help guide my endurance training. Absolutely recommend for anyone who wants to better understand their physiology while training or just learn how to train better/smarter.

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson was amazing! At the beginning, we first needed to organize a place and time to perform the testing (since I do most of my running outdoors, we had to test outdoors). With the crazy rainy weather in Houston, it was difficult but Alyson was extremely accommodating to the changes. Once we underwent the testing, Alyson explained everything clearly and easily and made the entire process so smooth. She then had an extremely quick turnaround with the end result data and then jumped on a 45 minute phone call with me to answer all of my question in depth and explain every piece of data in details. 10 out of 10; 5 stars; two thumbs up! I’d highly recommend any runner to undergo this testing with Alyson and optimize performance.

Source: Google

★ 5

I got my metabolic testing done on 8/24/2022. I've been training a for a couple of half marathons that I'm running in the next few months. The goal was to determine my anaerobic and lactate thresholds, as well as my training zones. Alyson was very professional during the entire test and made sure all my questions were answered. She got back to me with the results within 48 hours and then we had a phone call in which she went through my results very thoroughly. I was very happy with the service provided and I recommend Alyson 100%

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m 61 and a jogger, so not looking to set any records. I just want to stay healthy and active as long as possible. Alyson was very helpful, and her testing and analysis provided lots of insightful information about how to do that, including changes to my routine that will help me improve. I’m already seeing benefits. Highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson is very professional, super knowledgeable, and remarkably good at translating the scientific measurements into real world training advice. The convenience of mobile testing is a huge benefit, as you can complete the tests in your own regular training environment.

It really felt like elite athlete service allowing me to get the most out of my decidedly non-elite self!

Source: Google

★ 5

I had the metabolic testing done on 7/15/22. I found out about the service after watching Nick Bare get the testing done himself. I went in a little hesitant about the experience, particularly because of how young Alyson looked. But after I was done, I was blown away by her knowledge and expertise. I had a really enjoyable time during the testing. She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. Definitely worth every minute and and every penny!!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have a very challenging race in August and decided to work with Optimized Performance to understand my baseline/starting point. Allyson was incredible and the process was easy. I was fortunate to be close by and Allyson was able to make it into an in person assessment. The process took a couple of hours but completely worth it. Now I know where I am and the things I need to focus on to be successful for my race. There is no guessing, the science proves it. Look forward to working with Allyson over the next few months to devise strategies that will improve my overall performance!

Source: Google

★ 5

Writing on behalf of Nick Bare...

Nick and the rest of the BPN team would highly recommend going to Optimize Performance for any kind of metabolic testing. We did a metabolic test that determined Nick's VO2 Max, VLA Max, and Lactate Threshold for his marathon training. We ran a series of intervals on a treadmill and Nick's blood was drawn and measured periodically. We got the results of the testing back within 48 hours. Alyson was kind, professional, and timely. She paid close attention to all the details, both during the testing and in her analysis. All of the data that was provided was laid out in a very easy-to-understand manner. This data is incredibly useful for not only marathon runners, but for all athletes.

Source: Google

★ 5

I did a metabolic assessment as well as gait analysis as I wanted to further understand my lactic threshold as well as running economy. I can honestly say that I have improved my speed by working on the right things identified through blood work, computer analysis and the interpretation expertise of Alyson Sheppard. She knows how to simplify all the data we absorb as runners and give you simple steps to improve. I cannot say enough great things about Optimize Performance! I highly recommend them for all athletes. Thanks again! The name truly represents what I have experienced!

Source: Google

★ 5

Words cannot describe Coach Alyson! I am training for IRONMAN TULSA and did a run test with her yesterday and the amount of knowledge that she has is unbelievable! To parallel her knowledge is how personable and attentive she is with you! I am someone who asks multiple questions all the time and she always has the right answer and spends time making sure I understand. In the couple of hours we spent together not only did I learn so much about strategy and preparation but I had immediate feedback on ways to enhance my training and in particular, after that session, running. After spending time with her yesterday and adapting my knew set of knowledge in deficiencies I needed to fix in my run, todays hour run was amazing! Not only did my joints feel better on todays run due to corrections, but because of the corrections I was able to sustain a quicker pace and shave over 20 seconds off my average mile for over 6 miles. I absolutely look forward to more time with Alyson and I know under her direction and tutelage my dreams to accomplish and complete an IRONMAN will become more and more a reality. If coaching is what you are looking for, look no further! Alyson is simply THE BEST!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Love Optimize Performance! I highly recommend this company due to their extensive knowledge in health topics including nutrition, exercise progression, and how to tailor a program to meet my goals.

With Alyson's guidance, I was able to fine tune my nutrition to lose weight and then progress my strengthening and meet my goal of returning to running again! Her expertise in running analysis and injury prevention has given me the tools to return confidently to running!

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson at Optimize Performance helped me so much when I wanted to start running again. Her strength and injury prevention training helped me build the strength I need to keep myself injury free. So happy I reached out to get started training!

Source: Google

★ 5

Alyson is the best! She’s helping my husband get back into running shape after an injury. I was so impressed with her vast knowledge of biomechanics that I’m going to have her do a run analysis on my three kids who run cross country/track. She is passionate about athletics/body mechanics/sport and we are really lucky to have her helping our family!

Source: Google

★ 5

After years of playing competitive sports I wanted to pick up cycling! I didn’t know what my heart rate or wattage should be AND I started having aches and pains after riding so much! Alyson not only helped me tailor my mobility and strength to be a stronger cyclist, but we did the metabolic testing to make me so much more efficient for training! The Testing was so beneficial, now I’m able to actually ride knowing exactly what my training zones are!!!

Source: Google