Testing is performed by Val, who started testing athletes of all codes whilst working at the University of Otago as a Sport Scientist from 1996.  Val has continued using regular testing alongside coaching, so has a very in-depth understanding of the limitations to, but also the powerful way it can be used to enhance endurance training and racing.

We have protocols to test most endurance sports, but our most commonly tested disciplines are running and cycling. Through our lactate testing protocol you will receive accurate heart rate, power, and speed zones that are assessed using a combination of your lactate profile, heart rate vs lactate curve, maximum heart rate, ventilatory threshold and subjecting rating of difficulty. Val will also assess your run and bike technique and give suggestions to make you faster and more efficient, and sometimes picks up breathing difficulties that can be adjusted to help you perform better.

Lactate threshold testing will provide: 

• Accurate heart rate, power and speed training zones
• Peak aerobic power:weight ratio (cycling)
• Peak aerobic run speed (running)
• Lactate & anaerobic threshold (helps predict training & race pacing)
• Technique feedback – eg. Pedal stroke mechanics, bilateral power differences, run technique evaluation
• Breathing abnormalities

Lactate Re-Testing will provide: 

• Training progression – if you are physiologically responding well or poorly to your training regime. It will help re–establish training & race pacing.
• Glycogen depletion – if you are under–nourishing yourself around test times
• Technique – if it has changed
• Overtraining or fatigue

Your body composition does affect your endurance performance. Most often, a good balance of training, recovery, and nutrition will be enough for you to achieve your peak performance, but some athletes benefit from having body composition testing to find out where they are relative to other endurance athletes, and ensure any body composition changes are in the right direction. Since becoming certified to test elite athletes in 1998, I have used a combination of skin fold calipers, body mass and girth measurements for testing.