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While using Spleeft experimenting with problems is possible, as each smartphone, especially the Android ones, has different types of accelerometers of different quality.
Here we let you some tips to solve or to help to improve the most common based on the huge feedback that our users give us by email and our social networks.
We are working on giving you specific updates to try to fix each one.
In general, the app is so demanding for the phone’s CPU, so try to use it with enough free memory (both on the RAM and the internal storage) and battery levels, especially in the Android version.
Velocity-Based Training (VBT) relies on measuring the concentric velocity of your lifts (the lifting phase of the movement). With the Spleeft app, you can do this easily using just your phone or Apple Watch. Here’s how to measure the velocity of your exercises and adjust your training based on the results.
Before starting, make sure you have the app installed on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Open the app and select the exercise you plan to perform, such as squats, bench press, deadlift, or any other movement you want to track.
You can also adjust settings such as the load you’re lifting and if you want to receive notifications when your velocity drops by a certain percentage (for example, if velocity drops by more than 20% between the fastest and slowest rep in a set).
Once everything is set up, press the start button in the app. This will start a countdown, giving you a few seconds to prepare before the app begins recording your reps.
During the exercise, aim to lift the weight as fast as possible. Spleeft will measure the concentric velocity of each rep (the velocity during the upward phase of the movement). The app will provide the data in m/s (meters per second), which is the key metric in velocity-based training.
Spleeft shows the velocity of each rep in real-time, allowing you to adjust the load or volume based on the data. If the velocity starts to drop too quickly or falls below your target threshold, you may need to reduce the load or end the set early to maintain the training goal, whether it’s maximal strength, power, or endurance.
The app also tracks velocity loss within a set, comparing the velocity of the fastest rep to the slowest. This is important for monitoring fatigue and ensuring you’re training effectively. If you experience significant velocity loss, it’s a sign your neuromuscular system is fatigued.
After completing your set or session, Spleeft generates detailed graphs showing the average velocity of your reps, the best rep (the fastest), and the velocity loss. These insights allow you to analyze your performance and adjust future workouts accordingly.
To measure your jump height, open Spleeft and select the jump training option. If you’re using an iPhone, make sure it’s placed in a stable position where it can capture your movement during the jump. If you’re using an Apple Watch, secure it properly on your wrist so the sensors can track your jump.
Perform one or several vertical jumps, aiming to jump as high as possible. The app will automatically begin measuring from the moment you leave the ground and will record the flight time—the time you spend in the air. The longer the flight time, the higher the jump.
Spleeft uses the flight time to calculate your jump height using the following formula:
Jump Height=g⋅t28\text{Jump Height} = \frac{g \cdot t^2}{8}
Where:
The app automatically performs this calculation and displays your jump height in meters or centimeters.
After completing your jumps, Spleeft will display the height of each jump as well as the average height across all jumps. Additionally, you can view metrics such as flight time and initial take-off velocity, which help you better understand your explosive power.
If you measure your jumps regularly, you’ll be able to track improvements in your explosive power and make adjustments in your training to improve your jump height over time.
Choose an exercise (such as squats, bench press, or deadlifts) and perform several sets using different weights. Make sure to use at least 3 or 4 different loads that range from light to heavy. The more varied your weights, the more accurate your 1RM and optimal load estimation will be.
Spleeft will measure the fastest velocity for each rep. It’s important to lift each weight as quickly as possible for the most accurate calculation. The app will record the velocity in meters per second (m/s) for each load lifted.
The app will generate a graph showing how velocity decreases as load increases. This inverse relationship helps you visualize your load-velocity profile, which Spleeft uses to estimate your 1RM.
Spleeft calculates a linear regression between the loads used and the fastest velocities recorded for each rep. From this data, a line is drawn that will help estimate your 1RM.
Each exercise has a minimum velocity at which your 1RM is reached. For example:
Spleeft will extrapolate the data to calculate the maximum weight you could lift in one repetition when you reach that minimum velocity. This estimated value is your 1RM for that exercise.
Let’s say you performed squats with the following data:
| Load (kg) | Velocity (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 40 kg | 0.80 |
| 60 kg | 0.65 |
| 80 kg | 0.50 |
| 100 kg | 0.35 |
Using this data, Spleeft will calculate a linear regression to determine the relationship between the load and velocity.
1RM Calculation: Based on the regression, Spleeft estimates that the load at which your velocity reaches 0.32 m/s (the critical velocity for squats) is your 1RM. In this case, it might estimate that your 1RM is 105 kg.
Optimal Training Load: Additionally, Spleeft calculates that you generate maximum power when lifting around 60 kg, which is roughly 50-60% of your 1RM. This would be your optimal load for power training.
This graph shows how your velocity or power for the best rep with a given load has changed over time.
If the graph shows an upward slope, it means you’re improving, lifting the same load faster or with more power. A downward slope could indicate fatigue or the need to adjust your training program.
This graph shows how velocity decreases as load increases. Spleeft uses this data to estimate your 1RM and other metrics related to maximal strength and maximal velocity.
The power-load graph shows the relationship between the load lifted and the power generated. This graph typically forms a bell curve, where maximum power is achieved with a moderate load, not too light and not too heavy.
The peak of the curve indicates the load at which you generate the most power. This helps you determine the optimal load for training power.
The Z-Score graph compares your current performance to your historical bests. It helps you understand if you’re performing above or below your typical standard for a specific exercise and load.
The Z-Score in Spleeft is a statistical metric that allows you to compare your current performance to your historical best or average performance for a specific exercise and load. It helps to provide context to your workout by indicating whether you are performing better, worse, or at your normal level compared to past sessions. The Z-Score is particularly useful for tracking fatigue and readiness, as it gives you an objective measure of how your body is responding to training on a given day.
Z-Score=Best rep velocity today−Historical average velocityHistorical standard deviation\text{Z-Score} = \frac{\text{Best rep velocity today} – \text{Historical average velocity}}{\text{Historical standard deviation}}
Where:
Using the Z-Score allows you to autoregulate your training. If your score is low, you might decide to reduce the intensity or volume of your workout, while a high score could motivate you to push harder, knowing your body is in an optimal state.
Once you open Spleeft, navigate to the Trends tab, which gives you an overview of your performance across multiple sessions. This tab is where you can configure the metrics that will be displayed.
In the Trends tab, click on the settings icon (typically found in the upper right corner). This will take you to the metrics configuration menu, where you can adjust various aspects of your performance tracking.
The primary metric is the data you want to focus on the most. Spleeft offers several options for this:
You can select the date range for which you want to see data. Spleeft allows you to choose from predefined time periods (such as the last week, month, or year) or create a custom date range to focus on specific training blocks.
Next, choose the specific exercise you want to analyze. You can filter the data by the exercises you have performed and the corresponding loads, making it easier to track improvements in a particular movement (e.g., squats, deadlifts, bench press).
After selecting the exercise, you can narrow down the data further by selecting the load (weight) used. Spleeft will only display the loads you have previously worked with for the selected exercise. This helps you track your velocity or power output at specific weight levels.
If you prefer not to manually configure these settings every time, you can enable automatic adjustments. This feature allows Spleeft to automatically select the most relevant data to display, depending on your recent workout history and performance trends.
Once you’ve configured the metrics, Spleeft will generate easy-to-read graphs showing your performance trends over time. This could include your velocity with a specific load, your power output, or how your Z-Score has fluctuated. This visualization is key to making informed decisions about your training program.
Ensure that you have the Spleeft app installed on both your iPhone and Apple Watch. If you haven’t already installed it on your watch, you can do so via the Watch app on your iPhone or directly through the App Store on your Apple Watch.
If your Apple Watch is not already paired with your iPhone, you’ll need to do that first. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and follow the instructions to pair the devices. Once paired, they will sync automatically.
To ensure seamless syncing, open the Spleeft app on your iPhone and ensure that the necessary permissions are granted. The app will need access to the Apple Watch’s sensors (such as the accelerometer and gyroscope) to accurately measure velocity and other metrics.
Open the Spleeft app on your Apple Watch. You’ll be prompted to select the type of workout you’re about to perform. You can choose between various options, including strength training or jump training.
Once the session begins, the Apple Watch will start tracking your velocity and other metrics in real-time. You can monitor your performance directly on the watch screen, without needing to look at your phone.
During your workout, Spleeft will display important metrics such as:
You can also set up audio feedback, allowing you to hear updates about your performance, which is useful if you don’t want to look at the screen mid-exercise.
Once you finish your workout, press Stop on your Apple Watch. The data will automatically sync with the Spleeft app on your iPhone, allowing you to review the details of your session, including velocity trends, power output, and any Z-Scores.
After syncing, you’ll be able to access detailed analytics of your session directly on your iPhone. The app will display graphs and metrics that give you a comprehensive view of your performance, helping you track improvements over time and adjust your training program accordingly.
Using tags in Spleeft helps you efficiently manage multiple athletes and exercise variations. Tags allow you to filter data by individual athletes, exercise types, or specific variations, like right leg/left leg exercises.
If you’re already using Spleeft to track and improve your athletes’ performance, you’ll be happy to know that the app can now be used on a Mac. This opens up new opportunities for coaches and personal trainers who want a bigger screen and better tools for managing and analyzing data. Here’s how Spleeft works on Mac and why it’s a must-have for professionals in the fitness and performance world.
If you’re accustomed to using Spleeft on your phone or Apple Watch, the transition to Mac is seamless. Downloading and setting it up is just like any other app. Once installed, you can use it exactly as you would on your mobile device but with the added convenience of a larger screen.
What makes Spleeft on Mac especially useful is how it simplifies data management and performance analysis. For anyone coaching multiple athletes or clients, this is a game-changer. Here’s why:
One of the standout features of Spleeft on Mac is the ability to quickly export performance data. With just a few clicks, you can generate detailed reports in Excel format. This makes it much easier to track progress over time, compare different sessions, and share insights with your athletes.
On a larger screen, viewing trends over time is much clearer. Spleeft’s graphs, like load-velocity profiles or velocity loss during sets, are easier to analyze on a Mac. This means you can spot performance improvements or areas that need attention faster and with more accuracy. Whether it’s the speed of a lift or jump height, you’ll have all the data you need at your fingertips.
With Spleeft on Mac, you can dive deep into long-term trends and performance metrics, making it easier to adapt training programs based on solid data. For example, you can track how an athlete’s best-rep velocity changes with specific loads over time, and adjust their program accordingly to optimize strength and power development.
For trainers managing multiple athletes, Spleeft on Mac offers a streamlined way to organize and compare all of your athletes’ data. You can easily switch between individual profiles, check their session history, and get a comprehensive look at their overall progress.
Additionally, if you’re tracking multiple clients in a single training session, using Spleeft on Mac allows you to review and export their data simultaneously, saving you time and ensuring everyone gets precise, real-time feedback on their performance.
For coaches and trainers, Spleeft on Mac isn’t just about convenience – it’s about making better coaching decisions based on accurate, easy-to-read data. Whether you’re adjusting training loads in real-time or looking at long-term progression, having Spleeft on a bigger screen gives you more control and flexibility.
If you’re already familiar with Spleeft, moving to Mac will take your training analytics to the next level. The ease of exporting data, visualizing trends, and managing multiple athletes from one device will streamline your workflow and improve your ability to make data-driven decisions for your clients.
Start using Spleeft on Mac today and elevate your coaching game!
Spleeft makes it easy to export your workout data for analysis or backup purposes, ensuring you have access to your athletes’ data across your Apple devices.
Sync Data via iCloud (Automatic):
Export Data Manually (Save to Files App):
Airdrop for Fast Transfer:
This type of problem is very common along Android users, even those with high-quality phones. Remember that the app just measure the velocity on the vertical axes, so movements like leg extension, for example, will not be measured.
Spleeft implements some filters to reduce the signal noise-induced errors. Those filters are adjusted dynamically by the app based on the data of the previous reps. of the series. Spleeft set as an acceptable range (that is not considered a measurement error) 35% below and above the mean range of motion of the series. For the velocity, Spleeft considers a measurement error a velocity loss of 40% below the mean of the series.
If you experiment with problems with no rep counting, try the following tips:
Disable automatic filters in real-time settings and set the range of motion filter and the velocity filter to the minimum. In that case, maybe the app counts more reps than you have performed but just try. Then you have to adjust your filters depending on the movement you will do (i.e if you perform squats normally with 60 kg and 0.6 m/s set a velocity threshold of 0.4 m/s). The closer the filter value is to the actual value, the more accurate the measurement will be. However, the more likely it is that a real repeat will not be displayed.
We recommend setting manual filters of 20 cm below your expected ROM and 0.2 m/s below your expected velocity value.
Try it by performing body weight squats just with the phone in your hands.
Some users, both on iOS and Android, do not receive the velocity feedback instantaneously after finishing the concentric phase of the movement. This is due to the noise that the accelerometer detects because of the explosive final of the movement (the bar oscillates due to the final thrust for a few seconds.). Spleeft looks for zero acceleration to calibrate the accelerometer signal and give the velocity feedback. However, maybe some athletes start the next rep. without reaching the zero velocity and listening to the velocity feedback, which can let to non-counted reps and lack of feedback. We will fix this issue by implementing more noise filters to smooth the signal, but it is recommended to wait until the velocity feedback to get accurate measurements. In the sports science literature, this strategy is called cluster set.
Are you experimenting with another type of measurement error or issue that you would like to share with us? Contact us here.
Spleefts for iOS, iPad and MacOS offer you multiple products. Pricing depends on your country, so check it at the App Store.
Subscription:
– Spleeft PRO. A monthly/annual subscription that unlocks every feature unless the Apple Watch extension.
Single payments:
– Spleeft Watch: unlocks barbell velocity and jump height measurements in your Apple Wach.
– Spleeft VBT: unlocks just barbell velocity measurement and history with your iPhone. No statistics nor advanced features.
– Spleeft Jump: unlock just jump height measurements and history in your iPhone.
Spleeft for Android is a lite version which offers you the same as Spleeft VBT in iPhone.
If you have purchased Spleeft Watch or starting the three days free trial, sometimes you don’t get instant access to the app.
To solve it, just re-open the iPhone app while keeping Spleeft opened in your watch, without locking the screen. You can force to force the payments in settings.
