Performance testing in the lab allows an athlete to understand their unique physiology for more specific analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and training specificity. Measures of blood lactate and VO2 provide information about an individual’s fitness that cannot be determined by field testing alone. This includes pinpointing an individual’s maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), lactate threshold (anaerobic threshold), aerobic threshold, and information about their capacity to utilize fat as a fuel source. The information gathered from these tests are also used to determine precise training zones and specific training recommendations.

Lactate threshold is arguably the most important physiological marker of performance in endurance sports. It can be simply thought of as maximal sustainable pace/ power, and in cycling it is used to assess FTP (Functional Threshold Power). The data collected during the test (blood lactate, heart rate, and power) will be used to establish your lactate threshold, aerobic threshold, as well as specific heart rate and power/ and or pace training intensities to help you improve your sport-specific performance. 

VO2 testing measures oxygen consumption rates via gas exchange with a metabolic cart. Through these metabolic measures we can determine VO2 max which is an indication of your aerobic potential and an opportunity to see where you fall in the fitness spectrum. This test also accurately measures your rate of caloric expenditure at different exercise intensity as well as specifically measures FAT and Carbohydrate oxidation rates. This information is essential for your body’s ability to use fat as a fuel source and the proper training intensity to improve your metabolic efficiency. 

Lactate Threshold/ VO2 Max With Metabolic Profile - $300 ($250 CTS Athlete Price)

Test Available At The Following Training Centers: Colorado Springs, CO

What’s Included:

• VO2 max (maximal oxygen consumption) 
• Lactate Profile 
• Determination of Lactate Threshold Power (FTP) and Heart Rate 
• Carbohydrate and Fat Oxidation Rates and determination of FatMax (metabolic efficiency)
• Training Zones
• 3-minute Ramp Test Protocol 
• Finger Stick Blood Lactate Analysis 
• Gas Exchange Analysis with Metabolic Cart 
• Cycling Test on Velotron Ergometer 
• Treadmill Running Test 
• Up to 30 minute session to review test data and analysis of results. Most often conducted via zoom on a day following the test.
• *$50 add on fee for individualized protocol.  We can accommodate specific alternate protocol for LT/ VO2 max testing for an additional fee.

Lactate Threshold Only Test - $175 ($150 CTS Athlete Price)

Test Available At The Following Training Centers: Colorado Springs, CO

What’s Included: 

• Lactate Profile 
• Determination of Lactate Threshold Power (FTP) and Heart Rate  
• Training Zones
• 3-minute Ramp Test Protocol 
• Finger Stick Blood Lactate Analysis 
• Cycling Test on Velotron Ergometer 
• Treadmill Running Test 
• Up to 30 minute session to review test data and analysis of results. Most often conducted via zoom on a day following the test.
• *Does not include VO2 Max, gas exchange, or metabloic profile.