Physiological Testing
We focus on testing in the field, within in the environment where you train and compete; where your results will be the most meaningful to your training and racing.
We also offer more controlled testing in static environments such as the running treadmill, the Wattbike Atom and the Concept II Rowing ergometer.
Which test is right for you?
Blood Lactate Threshold Testing
A progressive step test conducted in the field during your sport. We will identify your aerobic threshold (LT1) and anaerobic threshold (LT2) and at what heart rate, power and speed/pace these occur.
A lactate threshold test is one of the most important physiological tools available to athletes and coaches.
We will give you advice on what intensities you should train at for optimal progress, set your training zones and, if you have an upcoming event, suggest what your race pace could be.
During the test, data will be collected on your heart rate, pace, power (running, cycling or rowing) and we will express your thresholds in terms of these metrics.
We use the popular and well studied Arkray Lactate Pro 2 analyser for truly portable and repeatable results.
Lactate threshold testing is most useful when conducted several times a year to ensure you're on track, that you're training in the correct zones as your fitness changes and that your training is working as intended.
We can combine a lactate threshold test with muscle oxygen monitoring for a more complete picture of your fitness.
Muscle Oxygen Assessment
A cutting edge and non-invasive technique that allows us to monitor your muscles in real-time whilst you exercise. The sensors, provided by Moxy Monitor, measure your muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and total haemoglobin (tHb) at up to twice a second!
Muscle oxygen monitoring can be used in many ways to provide a wealth of information. It can easily be used in daily training unlike more involved and invasive techniques.
We provide in-field assessments during your normal activity and can use different protocols to:
Identify your proper training zones (best combined with a lactate threshold test)
Perform a 5-1-5 Assessment to identify your limiters and establish what type of sessions will benefit you most
Assess right to left differences
Monitor your local muscular and systemic response to exercise
Establish the best warm up protocol to allow you to perform at your best
In daily use it can be used for precision intensity control making sure that recovery and easy sessions are just that, and can even be used to guide interval training to make sure you do not overdo it, or leave any performance on the table.
We provide you with a detailed report and review the data with you. If desired we can teach you about the technique and approach to analysis should you wish to later purchase a Moxy sensor or rent one from us (coming soon).
Core Body Temperature Monitoring
Regulation of core body temperature is fundamental to peak performance; cooler is faster! When your core temperature rises above a certain threshold your power and performance will decline.
Using sensors from CORE we can, in real-time, accurately and non-invasively measure your temperature response to exercise and correlate that with your performance metrics.
We can help you prepare for events where you may encounter warmer temperatures, advise you cooling strategies and assess their effectiveness.
We can perform a heat-ramp test to define your thermal limits or advice you on heat training. The benefits of heat training can be similar to that of altitude training. With a specific block of controlled and repeated sessions of heat stress, you can increase your blood volume and hemoglobin level!
Power & Pace Profiling
With a little bit of testing data from you, we can analyse your power and/or pace profile in the context of your goals, and help you optimise your training for maximum impact.
We will discuss your goals and training history and advise you on the type of testing sessions to complete and how best to record the data.
Once complete we will review this with you and provide a report on where you stand in relation to your target and suggest how you might bridge the gap between your current fitness and where you want to be. Testing sessions could be conducted with us, on your own or could form part of your usual training.