Lactate Testing — Cycling, Running, Swimming

Identify accurate lactate threshold points to define your training and pacing zones for swimming, cycling and running. 

What it is:

• Incremental exercise test using serial capillary blood samples to produce a lactate curve and identify thresholds (LT1, LT2/turn points). Useful for precise training zones, pacing and monitoring adaptation.

Modalities:

• Swimming: Pool-based incremental or repeat-set protocol with fingertip/earlobe samples taken immediately after stages.

• Cycling: Indoor Trainer.

• Running: Treadmill.

Who it’s for:

• Athletes needing accurate thresholds and personalised power/pace zones and/or athletes wanting to understand their current physiology and what training should be focused on in their next block of training.

Typical protocol & duration (45–60 mins):

• An increasing duration step test while taking blood lactate measurements at set time periods.

Metrics & deliverables:

• Lactate curve & threshold identification (LT1/LT2).

• Individual training zones and pace/power targets.

• Short interpretation, pacing strategy for targeted events and recommendations on training focus for the next block of training.