Lactate measurement is used by sport scientists, coaches and athletes
to accurately determine Heart Rate training zones, recovery and
much more. Lactate is a metabolic product that can be measured
by taking a drop of blood at a finger tip the same way diabetics
monitor their blood sugar level. The blood lactate level increases
with exercise intensity and shows clearly the transition from aerobic
to anaerobic activity. Since the measurement is completely individual
it gives a precise method for testing and monitoring training intensity
and recovery. Lactate measurement is far more precise than the
outdated and inaccurate method of using percentages of maximum
heart rate to set training zones. Because heart rate is an individual
response, heart rate training zones need to be determined by measurement
of physiological variables not set by mathematical formulas. Furthermore,
the relationship between exercise intensity and heart rate is different
for different exercises, eg. heart rates for running will not be
the same as heart rates for cycling for any given intensity. Training
programs should not be based on general heart rate guidelines rather
they should be based on individual responses. This can be achieved
through lactate testing.
Tests conducted at the Santa
Barbara Athletic Club.
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