Substrate Utilization

This test can be very beneficial for endurance athletes such as marathoners and triathletes! With this test we can see how the body utilizes carbohydrates and fat during long duration exercise. It is important for athletes who are exercising for long periods of time to maintain an intensity that is sustainable throughout the course of the competition. This is a step test on a treadmill or bicycle with stages that last anywhere from 4-6 minutes. It will start easy and progressively get harder but is not a maximal effort test! The test starts easy and progressively gets harder so that we can pinpoint where the body utilizes fat at the highest rate! This is usually a great indication of where someone's "zone 2" is, or relative intensity for a specific training adaptation. There are many other values we gather from this test that will be included in the athlete report you receive!