A progressive exercise test on an electronically
braked cycle ergometer was used to determine peak oxygen
consumption (V˙ O2 peak), as previously described (42). The
V˙
O2 peak test took place in the 2 wk before the initiation of the
study.V˙ O2 peak was used to estimate the workload required to
elicit 60% of the subject’s V˙ O2 peak for subsequent testing.
Detailed metabolic, dietary, and anthropometric data were
collected before (PRE) and after (POST) a 7-wk endurance
exercise training program. Exercise testing was completed at
60% V˙ O2 peak PRE training and at the same workload POST
training (ABS; absolute trial). In addition, we completed a
posttraining exercise testing session at 60% of the new POST
trainingV˙ O2 peak (REL; relative trial). The order of the POST
trials was randomized for each individual, and trials were
completed within 3–5 days of each other to ensure that the
females were tested in the early to midfollicular phase of the
menstrual cycle. The exercise program consisted of 7 wk of
cycle training with a 5:2 (exercise-rest day) protocol. Each
session was 60 min in duration at an intensity of 60%
V˙
O2 peak. After 3 wk of training, a second progressive exercise
test was administered to reevaluate V˙ O2 peak, and adjustments
were made to training intensities to ensure a progressive
training stimulus for each subject