Lactate Profiling
What Does Lactate Really Do?
For many years, lactic acid or lactate was considered the enemy of hard-working athletes. It was blamed for everything—from fatigue during competitions to post-exercise soreness.
In truth, lactate doesn’t cause fatigue or delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In fact, recent research has indicated that lactate is actually used as fuel by your heart and other tissues.
If your body produces more lactate than your muscles need, the excess builds up in your blood. However, this doesn’t mean that too much lactate limits your abilities. The buildup is an indicator of what processes are going on as you exercise.
Why Measure Lactate?
Measuring lactate buildup in the blood is very important in determining your aerobic and anaerobic fitness. By measuring lactate levels, we can see how your body balances aerobic and anaerobic processes.
We’ll also be able to determine your endurance capacity. More importantly, measuring lactate buildup allows us to pinpoint your most effective training zones.
Many coaches and sports scientists try to set a single “lactate threshold.” This threshold is supposed to be the point wherein your muscles suddenly increase the amount of lactate produced.
Unfortunately, this one-size-fits-all approach is neither truthful nor useful. Don’t spend time, money, and effort on an assessment that is based on results from other people.
Assessment Process
In our two-part assessment using MESICS software we determine your lactate profile. Different than the mythical lactate “threshold”, we utilize the “two lactate theory” to determine your maximum sustainable effort as well as your most effective rate of recovery. These are both paramount for effectively and efficiently training limiters as well as determining performance strengths.
Armed with that knowledge, we then design a program to maximize your efforts, and we monitor your progress. The “Two Lactate Theory has been utilized by top-level cycling coaches in Europe and the US.
We use lactate testing, along with your heart rate and pace data, to determine your optimum training zones for endurance or sport-specific training. This radical, relatively new approach provides accurate scientific information while providing you with fitness benefits.
BLA Testing Fees -(non-coaching clients)
- Single Test: $220
- 2 Test Package: $400 ($200/assessment)
- 3 Test Package: $570 ($190/assessment)
- 4 Test Package: $720 ($180/assessment)
- Team Camp Lactate assessment packages available, cost TBD.
*All tests purchased as a package must be completed within one year. The full package price must be paid at the time of the initial purchase. Complete coaching clients are tested as needed. Testing is included in the cost of coaching.