Performance Testing with VALD Force Plates
We’ve recently introduced VALD Force Plates into the gym for our premium members — and for good reason.
This level of testing isn’t something most gyms have access to, but for us, it was a no-brainer. If you’re not testing, you’re often leaving progress on the table — or worse, heading toward an injury you don’t even realise is developing.
Testing gives us clarity. It removes guesswork and allows us to program with purpose.
THE BENEFITS OF TESTING
Identify Imbalances Between Left and Right
One of the biggest things we uncover through testing is asymmetry.
You might feel like one side is stronger — but VALD gives us objective data to confirm exactly where force is being produced, and how much.
This allows us to:
- Pinpoint weaknesses
- Address imbalances early
- Program specifically to bring both sides back into balance
Understand Absolute and Relative Strength
It’s one thing to lift weight — it’s another to understand how strong you actually are.
Testing allows us to measure:
- Absolute strength (total force output)
- Relative strength (force relative to bodyweight)
You might be moving good weight, but if your relative strength is low, there’s room to improve — whether that’s through increasing strength or adjusting body composition.
Numbers don’t lie, and they allow us to program with precision.
Understand How You Produce Force
This is where testing becomes powerful — not just for performance, but for longevity.
It’s not just about producing force, it’s about how you produce it.
- Some people produce force well, but too slowly
- Others produce force quickly, but struggle to absorb it
Both matter.
As we age, the ability to produce force quickly becomes critical for things like preventing falls. On the other hand, the ability to absorb force is just as important for reducing injury risk.
Understanding this gives us a complete picture — not just what you can do, but how your body actually functions.
WHY IT MATTERS
Testing allows us to:
- Identify key areas for improvement
- Program with intent
- Re-test and track progress over time
It removes guesswork and replaces it with data-driven decisions.
THE DIFFERENCE AT HYBRID
This is what separates our premium membership.
No guesswork.
No random programming.
Everything is measured, tracked, and adjusted based on real data.
Train with purpose. Measure progress. Get results.
