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This assessment combines breath-by-breath metabolic testing (VO₂) with capillary blood lactate sampling to create a detailed picture of how your body produces energy across increasing exercise intensities.

It allows us to:

- Measure your aerobic capacity (VO₂max/VO₂peak where appropriate)

- Identify key intensity points such as aerobic and anaerobic thresholds (often referred to as LT1/LT2 or VT1/VT2 depending on the method used)

- Build accurate training zones based on your actual physiology (not generic heart-rate formulas)

- Understand your balance of fat vs carbohydrate use across intensities (where relevant from gas exchange data)

- Track progress over time with a repeatable, objective test

For endurance athletes, field-sport athletes, and recreational trainers alike, lactate profiling adds an extra layer of precision - particularly for prescribing intensities that improve fitness without drifting into “grey zone” training.

The test is performed as a graded treadmill, Bike or Rowing protocol.

You will:

- Wear a metabolic mask connected to the analyser (to measure oxygen uptake and CO₂ production)

- Wear a heart-rate monitor

- Complete progressive 1–4 minute stages (depending on protocol), where treadmill speed and/or incline increases in a controlled way.

At the end of each stage, we take a small pin-prick capillary blood sample (typically from the fingertip or earlobe) using a Lactate Pro 2 analyser.

This measures blood lactate concentration in near real-time, allowing us to map your lactate response across intensities.

Most tests last 20–40 minutes in total, including setup and recovery, but this can vary depending on your fitness and the protocol used.

The blood sample is a small pin-prick, similar to what you’d experience with a glucose finger-prick test. Most people describe it as a quick, mild sting.

Testing is performed to a lab-standard level of cleanliness, including:

- Single-use sterile lancets

- Gloves and hygienic procedures

- Appropriate disposal of sharps and contaminated materials

- Cleaning of surfaces and equipment between clients

If you’re needle-averse or prone to fainting with blood sampling, let us know beforehand- there are simple ways to make the process more comfortable.

VO₂ + lactate profiling is useful for:

- Endurance athletes (running, cycling, triathlon, Hyrox-style endurance)

- Field sport athletes (Gaelic games, rugby) needing better repeatability and conditioning

- Recreational exercisers who want a clear training structure

- Anyone returning to structured training and wanting objective baselines

If you have known cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic conditions, or any recent medical issues, we may advise medical clearance depending on your history and goals.

To ensure your VO₂ results are as accurate and repeatable as possible, please follow the guidance below:

- No food for 2 hours before your test.
- Avoid tea/coffee and any calorie-containing drinks. Water is fine.

- Avoid stimulants for 2 hours before testing: this includes caffeine and nicotine (cigarettes/vapes).

- No exercise on the day of your test.
Training can elevate heart rate and ventilation and may affect test outcomes.

We use a Wahoo Kickr Bike for best accuracy and fit

For best results, please bring your own cleats which we will fit and your own cycling shoes

We can supply simple basket pedals, but cleats and shoes provide the most accurate results.

You’ll receive a clear breakdown of your results, typically including:

- VO₂ metrics (including VO₂max/peak if applicable)

- Heart-rate response and individualised training zones

- Lactate curve and threshold points (e.g., LT1/LT2)

- Practical guidance on how to use the zones in your training

- Recommendations for re-testing intervals (often every 8–16 weeks, depending on goal)

We also review the findings with you in plain language so you understand exactly what they mean and how to apply them.

We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule without charge.

Cancellations within 24 hours or non-attendance (no-show) are charged at 100%.

If you have an unexpected issue, please use the link provided when you register to reschedule.