Lactate Testing For Endurance Athletes – What Is It And Why Is It Important?
What is lactate testing?
Lactate testing is beneficial in cycling because it provides information about an athlete’s fitness level. It helps determine optimal training zones. Two important points in lactate testing are LT1 and LT2.
LT1, or the first lactate threshold, is the point at which lactate begins to accumulate in the bloodstream at an accelerated rate. At this point, the body is no longer able to clear lactate from the blood as quickly as it is being produced. Training at or just below LT1 can help improve an athlete’s endurance and aerobic capacity.
LT2, or the second lactate threshold, is the point at which lactate accumulates in the bloodstream at an even faster rate. This point is associated with high-intensity exercise and is a good indicator of an athlete’s anaerobic threshold. Training at or just below LT2 can improve an athlete’s ability to sustain high-intensity efforts.
Why should you do a lactate test?
Measuring the lactate levels at LT1 and LT2 allows coaches and athletes to determine the athlete’s optimal training zones. This can then be used to develop a training plan tailored to the athlete’s specific needs. The optimal training zones can be determined based on the athlete’s lactate threshold values and their corresponding heart rate, power output, or perceived exertion.
The specific mmol/L values of lactate at LT1 and LT2 can vary depending on the individual and their fitness level. Generally, LT1 is around 2 mmol/L, while LT2 is around 4 mmol/L. However, these values can vary and should be determined through lactate testing on an individual basis.
Booking a lactate test with AeroFin Performance is an essential step for any serious cyclist looking to optimise their training and performance. Our expert coaches use lactate testing equipment and analysis to provide you with accurate and personalised data on your training zones. We will provide you aerobic and anaerobic thresholds (LT1 and LT2), and specific training recommendations to take your performance to the next level.
How to perform and book a test?
Our testing protocol involves taking blood samples (through an ear prick) at specific intervals during an incremental exercise test to measure lactate levels and determine your individual thresholds. With this information, we can tailor your training to your specific physiology and help you train at the right intensity to maximise your training adaptations and race-day performance.
By booking a lactate test with AeroFin Performance, you will gain a deeper understanding of your body’s metabolic responses to exercise. This can help you optimise your training, improve your performance, and achieve your cycling goals. Contact us today to schedule your lactate test and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential.