While most people should focus more on aerobic conditioning as a dominant part of an overall program, it's essential to examine the concept of anaerobic threshold exercise, sometimes called AT-training. The leading exponent of this practice is the Italian physiologist Dr. Francesco Conconi. He was among the first in the sports medicine profession to bring his laboratory out on the road in order to work with cyclists. Conconi's pioneering efforts received widespread attention on January 23, 1984, due to the astounding achievement of the then 32 year old Italian racer Francesco Moser. Moser, who was trained by Conconi, established a new hour speed record for the bicycle 51.151 km. Moser's accomplishment, especially in light of his age, sold the bicycling community on AT training.

Indeed, Conconi's AT concept was a real breakthrough as a way of training cyclists and other athletes. Because the physiological basis of AT training is extremely complex, those desiring more detailed information on this subject should consult the study "Determination of the anaerobic threshold by a non-evasive field test in runners," by Conconi et al, published by the American Physiological Society in 1982. In fact, some of the procedures outlined in this book parallel his work. The major differences between the information presented here and that offered by Conconi are in the realms of philosophy and physiology, as well as experience.

Conconi believes the ideal training level is achieved by exercising at your AT. The new 180-Formula takes the position that Maximum Aerobic Function (MAF), the number of heart bpm that produces the most aerobic benefits with the least anaerobic stimulation is the optimal method of obtaining fitness.