At CTS we take a comprehensive approach to improving athletic performance. That’s why we offer lactate threshold and VO2 max testing, 3D bike fits using the latest infrared motion-capture technology, as well as body composition and resting metabolic rate testing at our locations.

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: Santa Ynez, CA and 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 (Colorado Springs Only)
• *$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 – $175 ($150 CTS Athlete Price)

Test Available At The Following Training Centers: Santa Ynez, CA and 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 (Colorado Springs Only)
• **Does not include VO2 max, gas exchange, or metabolic profile

Optimal positioning on the bike is essential for comfort, aerobic and aerodynamic performance, and injury prevention. With bike fit, experience counts, and CTS coaches perform hundreds of road, mountain bike, and triathlon fits every year, with elite athletes from pro cycling teams and US Paralympic teams to amateur racers and novice riders. Our highly-trained coaches use the latest infrared motion-capture technology from Retul to create a 3-dimensional picture of how you actually ride. And since optimal bike fit is about more than just angles, we spend a lot of time working with you to incorporate information about your goals, your strengths and weaknesses, flexibility and skeletal characteristics, and how you ride. We’re not quick about it, and that’s for your benefit. A great bike fit takes time, and when you roll out of here, you’ll have a riding position that maximizes your power and comfort, for all-day performance. 

3-D Dynamic Bike Fit with Retul Technology – $250 ($225 CTS Athlete Price)

Bike Fit Available At The Following Training Centers: Santa Ynez, CA; Brevard, NC; and Colorado Springs, CO

What’s included:

• Pre-Fit Assessment
• 13-Step Fit Process 
• 3-D Motion Capture Technology 
• Digital Fit Report with Precise Bike and Body Measurements 
• Free Adjustments Within 90 Days of Fit 

The Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test easily, painlessly, and accurately determines the minimum number of calories your body needs to support its basic functions. Since your RMR is generally 60-75% of your total daily caloric expenditure, knowing the minimum number of calories your body needs is critical when you are trying to lose, gain, or maintain weight. 

Resting Metabolic Rate – $65 ($50 CTS Athlete Price)

Test Available At The Following Training Centers: Santa Ynez, CA

What’s Included:

• Measurement of RMR from indirect calorimetry with BodyGem device
• Daily caloric needs assessment based on RMR and activity 

Body composition testing reveals true markers for success in your weight management and fitness programs by measuring your progress in replacing fat with lean muscle mass. Highly trained specialists measure skin fold thicknesses at seven sites and then calculate body fat percentage using age- and gender-specific equations. 

Body Composition – $50 ($40 CTS Athlete Price)

Test Available At The Following Training Centers: Santa Ynez, CA; Brevard, NC; and Colorado Springs, CO

What’s included:

• Body Weight
• Body Composition (Body Fat Percent)
• Skinfold caliper testing
• 7-site analysis
• Calculation of lean mass and fat mass
• Determination of ideal body weight based on body composition

Test Available At The Following Training Centers: Santa Ynez, CA and Colorado Springs, CO

What’s included:

• Body Composition Test
• Resting Metabolic Rate Assessment (Only available at Santa Ynez, CA)
• Lactate Threshold/ VO2 Max with Metabolic Profile 
• 3-D Dynamic Bike Fit with Retul Technology