Lactate step testing is a method used primarily in sports science and endurance training to assess an athlete's aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. The test measures blood lactate concentration at increasing exercise intensities, helping to determine when lactate production exceeds the body’s ability to clear it, which signals a shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism.

How It Works:

Stepped Increase in Intensity: The test is conducted by gradually increasing exercise intensity in stages (or "steps"). Each stage typically lasts 3-5 minutes to allow the body to reach a steady state.

Blood Lactate Sampling: At the end of each stage, a small blood sample (usually taken from a fingertip or earlobe) is analyzed to determine the concentration of lactate in the blood.

Performance and Lactate Curve: The test continues until the athlete reaches exhaustion or a predetermined intensity. The blood lactate levels are plotted against the corresponding exercise intensities, creating a lactate curve.

Threshold Identification:

Aerobic Threshold (AeT): The point at which lactate levels begin to rise above resting levels, indicating the body is starting to rely on anaerobic pathways for energy.

Anaerobic Threshold (AT): Also known as the lactate threshold, this is the intensity where lactate accumulates rapidly, and the body cannot clear it as quickly as it is produced.

Purpose and Benefits:

Training Zones: Identifying aerobic and anaerobic thresholds helps in defining specific training zones for endurance athletes (e.g., runners, cyclists, rowers), allowing for more targeted and efficient training.

Performance Tracking: Regular lactate step testing helps monitor adaptations to training over time.

Preventing Overtraining: Knowing lactate thresholds can prevent athletes from overtraining, as they can adjust their training intensities to match their current physiological state.

Lactate step testing is commonly used by endurance athletes to optimize performance and recovery.

Full Report and Advice

All lactate tests come with a detailed follow up report including training, racing and nutrition recommendations

Cost:

$300

Lactate samples taken at training

(at athlete’s request)
$6