Lactate threshold testing

The lactate threshold is generally regarded as THE measure of endurance fitness by physiologists

The lactate threshold, or "LT" occurs at about 60% of your VO₂max (or a steady pace you could hold for ~4 / 5 hour ). It is the highest intensity totally on aerobic metabolism. Any higher than this intensity, and you start to generate lactic acid in the muscle (which becomes lactate as it hits the blood), making LT a really useful marker as a training zone boundary  for your steady training 'base miles'.

LT is measured in the lab by slowly increasing intensity and taking a series of small fingertip blood samples at the end of each stage. Typically, each stage is 3 to 4 minutes - just long enough to let your body reach a steady state. We also record heart rate throughout the test so that we can assign you with your training zones

PBscience athletes receive LT testing:

• 3 times a year if on our "Elite 1-2-1 package" (alongside the testing of VO₂max)
• At the beginning of signing up to the Member Plan package
• Additional tests can be purchased at a discounted rate.

We also offer lab testing for non-members - please visit our service pricing page for details.

Watch a video of a lactate threshold test online