Performance Testing: VO2 Max, Lactate Threshold(s)

This test is an indicator of your cardiovascular fitness level and aerobic endurance. You are able to better understand your aerobic fitness level and maximal oxygen consumption when you complete your VO2 Max test. Remember, your ability to burn calories depends on your ability consume oxygen.

Lactate Threshold (LT) is also generally known as Lactate Threshold 1 (LT1). Lactate begins to build in your muscles and you begin to feel fatigue, this happens to everyone at some point during intense exercise. This is a point of max energy output known as your Anaerobic Threshold (AT), also generally known as Lactate Threshold 2 (LT2) and is different for everyone depending on your cardiovascular fitness level. This determination helps you to develop a specific strategy so you can improve your ability to exercise for longer periods of time and at higher intensities.

Each person has a Peak VO2, which during intense exercise is the point at which you reach your maximum ability to consume oxygen. This is a volume-based measurement during your breath-by-breath, exercise treadmill test. Unless you’re already an elite athlete, you can likely improve your VO2 Max score by up to 20%.