Big Tree Laboratory offers scientific testing that is administered and analyzed by Exercise Physiologists who are experts in health and performance.  Big Tree Laboratory is Endurance Company's human performance laboratory, but it is not your typical laboratory.  Big Tree Laboratory consists of both in-house strength and metabolic testing as well as field testing.  So, from the lab to the road, to the pool, to the track, Big Tree Laboratory's mission is to use physiological testing to maximize your training and racing potential.  In addition to Exercise Physiologist Joe Company, Endurance Company is proud to continue working with Exercise Physiologist Dr. Tom LaFontaine and Optimus: The Center For Health, where the in-house laboratory is located

Overview

Metabolic testing gives a very accurate snapshot of your current fitness.  Results from a metabolic test can help determine your resting metabolic rate, fuel usage at varying intensities, and training zones.  One of the greatest values from the metabolic tests is the accurate prescription of your training zones.  Click here to read about the importance of training zones.  

The Complete Metabolic Test includes the following:   

1)  Resting Metabolic Rate Test

2)  Body Composition Analysis 

3)  VO₂max Test

4)  Lactate Test

5)  Economy Test

6)  Fat Max Test

Resting Metabolic Rate Test

This test measures the amount of calories you burn at rest and what percent of these calories come from fat and carbohydrate.   This is a useful test in determining daily energy needs and helping with weight management.  You will sit quietly for 10-15 minutes while breathing through a mask which is attached to the metabolic analyzer.

Body Composition Analysis

Body composition will be measured by two methods: 1) skin folds – various sites on your body will be lightly pinched and measured.  The results are plugged into an equation to provide an estimation of your body fat.  2)  Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) – four electrodes are placed on the hands and feet.  The device sends a electrical current throughout the body (you cannot feel this electric current!).  Data from this test will be plugged into an equation which provides an accurate estimation of body composition.  In addition to these two methods, height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference will be measured.   You will receive your current body fat percentage as well as your height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist and hip circumference.  All of these measurements are useful in overall health and for tracking body composition and training changes.

VO₂max Test

VO₂max, or VO₂peak is considered one of the most important measurements in fitness and performance.  The VO₂max tests measures the amount of oxygen you consume at your maximum workload.  This test is performed either on a treadmill (for running VO₂max) or on a rear wheel bicycle ergometer (for biking VO₂max).  Note that your running VO₂max and biking VO₂max will likely be different (running VO₂max is normally higher).  Often these variables are called the VO₂peak when we talk about different modalities (bike versus run). 

Throughout the test, you will breathe through a mask that is connected to the metabolic analyzer.  The test begins at a relatively low intensity.  The intensity is incrementally increased so that you reach your maximum workload in about 6-9 minutes.  The test is stopped when I determine you have reached your VO₂max, but often the athlete likes to continue running/biking until they are unable to continue.  The results of this test provide you with your current VO₂max in absolute terms (liters ofO₂ per minute [L/min]) and in relative terms (milliliters of O₂ per kilogram per minute [ml/kg/min]) as well as velocity at VO₂max (vVO₂max). 

Lactate Test

Lactate is a byproduct of glucose metabolism.  We constantly produce lactate, even at rest.  At sub-threshold levels, we are able to metabolize or ‘clear’ lactate as it is produced, thus keeping the blood lactate levels at a steady sub-threshold level.  Once we begin to produce lactate at a rate faster than we can clear it, blood lactate levels begin to rise.  A common misconception is that lactate causes the burn we experience as we surpass our threshold, but lactate itself is not harmful and is actually a good energy source for the heart and muscle!  Blood lactate is a measure of our ability to metabolize glucose and provides a good way of determining when we rely on predominately anaerobic metabolism.   Lactate threshold occurs anywhere from 70% up to almost 90% of your VO₂max.  Typically, the more trained the athlete, the lactate threshold will occur at a higher percentage of the VO₂max.

This test is performed on either the treadmill (for running) or on a rear-wheel bicycle ergometer (for biking).  You will breathe through the mask connected to the metabolic analyzer (this is not how lactate is measured, but data collected from expired error helps determine economy - see below).  The test begins at a relatively low intensity.  The intensity is increased in 4-minute stages.  Near the end of each 4-minute stage, data is collected: pace/speed, power (if on the bike), heart rate, perceived exertion, O₂ and CO₂ levels in expired air, and blood lactate.  Blood lactate is collected via needle prick on the tip of your finger.  A drop of blood is placed on the lactate analyzer to provide a measure of blood lactate.  You continue through 4-minute stages until appropriate blood lactate numbers are reached.  It is not necessary to go to maximum effort during this test. 

Economy Test

Economy is a measure of the amount of O₂ you consume for a given workload.  This is especially helpful for endurance athletes who wish to know their economy at race pace (i.e. marathon pace or ironman bike pace). This test provides a snapshot of your current economy (amount of O₂ at a given speed or O₂ needed to reach a given speed) and allows follow-up testing to measure economy improvements.  For example, during your initial test, you may require 1800 ml of O₂ to run at a 9:00 mile.  After a couple of months of training, you may only require 1700 ml of O₂ to run a 9:00 mile.  This shows improved economy: you are running the same speed at less O₂ requirement.  The Economy Test is performed at the same time as the Lactate Test.  Data we gather from during the Lactate Test is used to determine your economy.

Fat Max Test

The Fat Max Test uses a protocol that finds the intensity at which you burn the most fat. Restuls from this test give you the information to know what intensity (either pace, power, heart rate, or perceived exertion) you should train at in order to maximally burn fat.  The protocol is similar as the Lactate Test and can be performed at the same time as the Lactate Test.  We can estimate your VO2 max during this test, but the protocol is not a 'true' VO2 max protocol.

What do you get?

You can choose to participate in the Comprehensive Metabolic testing (all six tests), OR you can choose any one of the six tests offered.  The Comprehensive Metabolic Testing provides detailed information so you will know your Resting Metabolic Rate, Body Composition (body fat percentage, BMI, height, weight, waist and hip circumference), VO₂max, velocity at VO₂max (vVO₂max), Lactate Threshold, Economy at varying intensities, and maximum fat burning intensity.  Along with these data, you will have a one-time consultation meeting with Joe where you receive a detailed breakdown of your training zones as well as detailed explanation on using these zones in your training.  

How does it work?

ECo’s Comprehensive Metabolic testing involves six evaluations during two lab visits.  Ideally, the visits would be on back-to-back days, or within the same week.  Tests will be performed either on a treadmill (for running data) or on your bicycle placed on a rear wheel ergometer (for bike data).  Your resting metabolic rate, VO2max, and body composition will be evaluated on the first visit, while your lactate threshold, economy, and fat max will be evaluated on the second visit.  Each visit will take approximately one hour.  All tests will be administered and analyzed by Joe Company, an Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience analyzing and interpreting metabolic data.  If you choose to participate in a single test, we will meet one time to perform the test of your choice.  Within a week of the testing, we will meet to discuss the test results and how to apply this data into your training program.  

What does it cost?

COLUMBIA MULTISPORT CLUB, OZARKS MULTISPORT CLUB, AND BIG SHARK TRIATHLON TEAM RECEIVE 20% OFF THE TEST PRICE

Comprehensive Metabolic Testing Evaluation (all six tests)

Bike or Run:  Initial test: $375                             Follow up tests:  $325

note:  For all VO₂ metabolic tests, you will need to purchase a mask.  This mask can be re-used for subsequent tests.  The mask costs $50 and is not included in the initial test cost.

Instead of choosing to have all six tests performed, you may opt to have either the VO₂ max test,  the lactate test, or the fat max test performed. 

VO₂max & Body Composition Test only

Bike or Run:  Initial test: $250                              Follow up tests:  $225

note:  For all VO₂ metabolic tests, you will need to purchase a mask.  This mask can be re-used for subsequent tests.  The mask costs $50 and is not included in the initial test cost.

Lactate Test only

Bike:  Initial test: $200                              Follow up tests:  $175

Run:  Initial test: $225                              Follow up tests:  $200

        note: You do not need the VO₂ mask for lactate tests.

Fat Max Test only

Bike:  Initial test: $150                              Follow up tests:  $105

Run:  Initial test: $175                              Follow up tests:  $125

        note: For the Fat Max Test, you will need to purchase a mask.  This mask can be re-used for subsequent tests.  The mask costs $50 and is not included in the initial test cost.

** Athletes currently on an Endurance Company training program receive a 35% discount

** Athletes who are members of Columbia Multisport Club, Big Shark Racing Cycling and Triathlon Team, and Ozarks Multisport Club receive a 20% discount