LAB
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Blood Lactate & VO2 Metabolic Testing are vital for the optimal development of the endurance athlete. They are the undisputed gold standard for fitness testing and the secret used by the worlds fastest ever endurance athletes. Testing allows you to see what is happening inside your exercising body and to optimize your training so that every second counts.
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Lactate is constantly produced by the body. At rest and in light exercise, the level of lactate produced is small enough that it is buffered or oxidized. As intensity increases, lactate production increases and reaches levels that are reflective of a loss of aerobic efficiency. In general, low levels of lactate are the sign of an efficient
 
aerobic system. Over time, with correct training, lactate levels at a given workload will decrease showing an improvement in aerobic conditioning. High Lactate levels at easy workloads are a sign of an underdeveloped aerobic system. High Lactate levels at Maximal workloads are a sign of a well developed anaerobic system. For each athlete and sport there is an optimal Balance of aerobic and anaerobic qualities. Laboratory testing unveils the balance of your personal metabolic fitness and from there your training can be shaped and guided so that you reach your true potential in your chosen sport. Furthermore, the Lactate test is used to set your personal training zones (heartrate &/or power/ speed) and to prescribe key training sessions that are specific to your needs.
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Adding a VO2 analysis to your Lactate test allows you to see even deeper in to your physiology.
By analyzing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels at each workload you can see the balance of fats and carbohydrates been used. Ideally fat is utilized at very high levels at the lower intensities with a shift to carbohydrate usage being delayed until intensities are very high (85%+). The VO2 component of the test highlights when you are at FAT-MAX which is the intensity when fat is used at its highest %. For the endurance athletes training at and developing FAT-MAX is key to endurance racing success. The VO2 test also reveals your genetic potential as an athlete (VO2 max) and how close you are to fulfilling that at the present time. Furthermore, with this data Coach Gareth can tell you exactly how to fuel each exercise intensity with custom sports drinks to suit your personal needs.
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A separate Resting Metabolic Test (RMR) identifies your calorie needs at rest and on non-exercise days. When you combine this with your exercise Lactate and VO2 test data, a detailed and person specific nutrition and diet plan can be created to ensure that you hit your bodyweight/ bodyfat goals.
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Each test comes with a detailed report that includes easy to understand graphs, tables and comments from Coach Gareth. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of exactly how to train in order to rapidly improve.
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Coach Gareths protocols have been developed in line with the worlds best sports scientists and professional sports teams.
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Suggestion Test Combinations:
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Optimal : Blood Lactate, VO2 & RMR for the ultimate and complete analysis of your physiology & nutrition needs
Ideal: Blood Lactate & VO2 for the serious athlete who wants to optimize every second of their training
Budget : Lactate for the athlete who wants accurate training zones and a clear picture of how to improve
 
 
HOW
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During an exercise test, blood lactate samples are taken along with other key data while you exercise at gradually increasing intensities. This data is then analyzed by Coach Gareth and an easy to use, practical prescription is then given to you based on your goals. These zones are based on heartrate, power, pace or a combination of each to suit your needs.
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Coach Gareth has been testing athletes for over 15 years and his protocol is now regarded as the definitive system for testing the endurance athlete.
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For those interested in being tested there are several ways:
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1. Visit Coach Gareth in person at his TRIO Performance Lab in Los Angeles.
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2. Arrange for Coach Gareth and his team to travel to your home town and test you and your team mates: please email for a specific quote.