top of page

LACTATE THRESHOLD TESTING

 

With training, the body is able to increase its utilisation of lactate and thus maintain muscle function for longer periods before lactate starts to accumulate in the muscles and subsequently becomes elevated in the blood.

Increased endurance is therefore associated with an increased lactate threshold. Thus the lactate threshold definition is the first increase in blood lactate above the resting level, which is typically between 1 and 2 mM in healthy subjects. 

How do athletes from distance runners to swimmers and cyclists achieve an increased lactate threshold? Athletes need to do a mix of speed work and slower endurance training to develop both the aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. This holds for both beginners and elite athletes alike. Sports science has utilised the lactate threshold test to define specific training plansd for many sports. 

What does a 10 step lactate threshold test look like?

1. Take a baseline blood lactate reading

2. Warm up at an easy pace for 5 minutes

3. Take second blood lactate reading

4. Run at a slightly elevated pace for 5 minutes

5. Take third blood lactate reading

6. Run 5 minutes at a pace above that of the previous 5 minutes

7. Take fourth blood lactate reading

8. Run final 5 minutes at moderate to hard pace

9. Take fifth blood lactate reading

10. Cool down with a 5 minutes easy jog

BLOOD LACTATE TESTING FOR JACKSONVILLE ATHLETES
Cost: $200
Where: UNF Practice Track Weeknights or Weekends

How long does it take? ~50-70 minutes
How do I keep track of my Heart Rate? 
-so generally wearing a Chest Strap so we recommend attaining one

 

Lactate Testing: Services
bottom of page