VO2 max + Blood
Lactate Testing
What does my test look like?
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Discover your individualised training zones, improve your training efficiency and understand your overall fitness!
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What is VO2 max?
V02 max is the volume (V) of oxygen (02) the body can absorb and utilise in one minute whilst working at maximal capacity (max). It is measured in ml/kg/min and is a good indicator of overall cardiopulmonary fitness.
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What is blood lactate?
When we exercise, our working muscles require energy. During low intensity efforts (walks, jogs, etc) our body can produce this energy aerobically through metabolising fats with oxygen. As the intensity increases (running, sports, etc), our muscles need energy quickly to keep up with the demands of our activity. Carbohydrates (glucose) provide a much faster source of energy than fat and can be broken down and utilised without the need for sufficient oxygen in the bloodstream. This is known as anaerobic glycolysis. Lactate (also known as lactic acid) is a bi-product produced during this process.
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As we continue to work anaerobically, lactate accumulates in the blood. Rising levels of lactate inhibit performance and are related to the burning, heavy feeling in your muscles. Lactate levels drop when we slow down and increase our reliance on the aerobic energy system.
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What are the benefits of knowing my VO2 Max + Blood Lactate readings?
A high VO2 Max greatly corresponds with healthy ageing and longevity. Research indicates that VO2 Max is a "strong and independent predictor of all-cause and disease-specific mortality" (Strasser & Burtscher, 2018). So just by having a high VO2 max we can significantly reduce our chances of disease.
The higher your VO2 Max score is, the higher your potential performance 'ceiling'. To obtain a good VO2 Max score we must have a strong fitness foundation. By building this foundation we can improve our overall efficiency as an athlete. Therefore it is a great metric to track if your goal is athletic performance!
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Taking blood lactate readings during the test allows us to identify your individualised, heart rate based training zones. Whether you're training for health and lifestyle or training for a triathlon, you will know exactly what zones you should be training at and for how long each week. This will greatly help to simplify your training whilst achieving optimal results.
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By measuring blood lactate and applying science to your training, we are ensuring that you are training the most efficiently for your own body. No more relying on predicted heart rate zones on your Garmin!
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Benefits of VO2 max explained:
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For more information on VO2 Max + blood lactate testing, check out our FAQ page
