VO2max Test:

Whether you are looking to assess your baseline aerobic fitness level or track your fitness improvements leading up to that big race, KSI can help you. While gradually increasing the intensity of either running or cycling, we measure how much oxygen your body is using. The VO₂max test is the most commonly used test to assess cardio-respiratory fitness in athletes but is also one of the strongest predictors of long-term health, longevity, and functional independence. Individuals with higher VO₂max values tend to have improved cardiovascular efficiency, better metabolic health, and greater resilience to physical stressors. This is especially helpful for athletes who wish to see their current fitness status and tailor training off this value.

During your VO₂max test we can also provide your velocity at your VO₂max VVO2 which really tells you more about your aerobic capabilities as well as give you an estimate of your anaerobic threshold (AT). With these values we can help to identify speed or heart rate zones in which you can train. Lastly, we can provide you with your exercise economy and/or running economy (RE) which is the energy demand for a given velocity. Runners/cyclists with good RE use less energy and therefore less oxygen than runners/cyclists with poor RE at the same velocity/watts.

Substrate Utilization Test:

Interested in knowing if you burn predominately carbs or fat at race pace? What you use for energy at different speeds/watts is important for you to know going into training or a race so that you can replace those calories. With a modified VO₂max protocol we can determine how much energy you are using at a given intensity and what percentage of that comes from carbohydrate or fat. When combined with our nutrition and hydration analysis, we remove the guesswork from your diet plan.

Resting Metabolic Rate:

Interested in knowing how many calories your body burns at rest? Using metabolic testing, we can accurately measure the number of calories you burn at rest and determine your daily needs. Your resting metabolic rate represents the minimum amount of energy your body requires to support essential physiological functions. This information is critical for developing personalized nutrition and training strategies to support weight management, performance goals, and overall health. When combined with your dietary intake and exercise routine, we help you establish your daily energy needs.

Sweat Rate and Sweat Electrolyte Test:

The key to a great hydration plan is knowing what you are losing while you exercise. To determine your sweat rate we measure your body mass losses through sweating and urination and take into account your fluid intake during a standardized exercise session. Knowing your sweat rate will reduce your body temperature and heart rate enabling you to maintain performance. To determine your electrolyte needs we use the gold standard whole body washdown technique. With this method we are able to determine the exact amount of electrolytes you lose in your sweat in order to help you understand what you need to replace. We will provide you the exact amount of electrolytes you lose in grams of sodium, potassium and chloride (per hour and per liter of sweat) so that you can better replace your losses and keep moving in those long hot races.

Heat Tolerance Test (HTT):

The Israeli Defense Force Heat Tolerance Test test is performed to examine a person’s ability to tolerate low-intensity exercise (5km/hr at 2% grade) in a hot environment (104°F, 40% humidity) for a two hours. This test has been widely used in both the military and athletic settings to determine if it is safe to return to activity following heat stroke.Understanding how well you handle heat stress can help also you prepare for training or racing. If you have struggled in the heat previously this test in combination with a VO₂max test can enable us to provide you with a sample return to activity and acclimatization protocol that suits your needs.

Lactate Threshold (LT):

Your lactate threshold is the exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in your blood. This can be measured through finger or ear pricks during a progressive exercise bout. Similar to the anaerobic threshold, this ramping protocol can help tailor your training intensities and pace to your exact physiological responses, thereby optimizing physiological gain during your training. This testing can take place on a bike or treadmill, expanding the benefits to runners, cyclists, and other athletes.