Lactate Testing

Why Test?

Lactate is a byproduct of the glycolytic energy system and is produced at all intensities (even at rest). Contrary to popular believe, lactate is not a direct cause of fatigue and is instead a very useful energy substrate that can be used for the production of ATP (the body’s “energy currency”).

Through carefully designed lactate testing protocols, we can identify your two key thresholds, which are:

LT1: This threshold is the point at which there is a noticeable increase in the use of carbohydrates and thus an observable uptick in the appearance of lactate in the blood. Whilst there is an increase in blood lactate concentration, this intensity still represents a point at which lactate levels are stable in the blood for a given wattage. LT1 is a useful threshold to know, because below this point, power output can generally be maintained for many hours, with minimal metabolic stress.

LT2: This is theoretically the highest point at which blood lactate concentration remains stable while a workload (wattage) is held constant. If you step over this threshold, lactate concentration will increase exponentially in the blood, reflecting a move into metabolic instability. Wattages above LT2 are are generally only sustainable for relatively short periods.

A lactate test will identify the power output and heart rate where your key thresholds occur to enable you to train more effectively using individualised and physiologically-derived training zones, helping you avoid guessing whether you’re training too intensely or too easily to achieve the goal of your workout.

Key Info:

Pricing: £160

Equipment used: Wattbike Atom smart bike, Lactate Pro 2 Analyser

Duration: ~90 minutes (including setup, test session and debrief)

Location: Oakwood Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Measurements: Identification of your power output (W) and heart rate (BPM) at two key thresholds; LT1 (aerobic threshold) and LT2 (Maximal Lactate Steady State or MLSS)

What Lactate Testing Offers:

 

Each lactate test session takes approximately 60 minutes, which is broken into; explanation of the test and protocols used, pre-test warm-up, lactate testing, and a detailed interpretation and explanation of your results by a sport and exercise scientist.

The lactate test itself usually takes 25-45 minutes and involves the athlete incrementally exercising to exhaustion.

During this period, a small capillary blood sample is taken every 3-5 minutes as well as heart rate, power (cycling and rowing) or pace (running, swimming and rowing) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

FAQs:

 

  • We form a close-working relationship with our athletes to continuously identify and remove any barriers hindering high quality training and the ability to perform optimally.

  • We have a strategic approach that we bring to the coaching of athletes. By using a proven process and an iterative, individualised approach, you’ll always know how each workout, week or phase fits into your program and serves to move you closer to your goals.

  • With years of experience coaching amateur and professional cyclists, we know how to guide cyclists around the common pitfalls associated with self-coaching, apply leading best practice approaches and taking the guesswork out of your training.

  • Train with functional yet rewarding sessions on a day-to-day basis that each have a clear purpose and use scientifically-grounded designs that stimulate the greatest adaptations for the least amount of fatigue.

  • Interpreting the wealth of data generated by today’s training tools takes time and expertise. We perform in-depth analyses of your training to maintain a constant cycle of learning, iteration and improvement.

Contact us

For more information and to enquire about booking a cycling-specific lactate threshold profiling test, please get in touch.