Allied Health Service – Performance & Physiology Assessments

Blood Lactate Threshold Testing

Lactate testing is a method of measuring appropriate cardiovascular training intensities so that ‘training zones’ can be established and training adaptations can be tracked over time.

Typically completed while running or cycling, you will undergo a graded test that incrementally increases in intensity while your heart rate and blood lactate levels are measured during each phase.

The lactate levels are used to determine your ideal heart rate zones and workload at given intensities so that you can optimize the time and effort you put into training. With established aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, you are able to target your training to maximize the adaptations in your cardiovascular system to improve your performance.

Book Your Blood Lactate Threshold Testing

Save 15% on Lactate Testing!

Book between October 15, 2026 and December 15, 2026 and complete your testing appointment by February 28, 2027 to receive 15% off lactate testing. Terms & Conditions apply.

Lactate Testing Promotion – Terms & Conditions 

  • Receive 15% off lactate testing when your appointment is booked during the promotional period October 15 to December 15, 2026 inclusive.
  • Appointments must be scheduled to take place no later than February 28, 2027.
  • The discount applies only to appointments booked during the promotional period.
  • Appointments booked outside the promotional period are not eligible for the discount.
  • Offer cannot be applied retroactively to previously booked appointments.

Still need more information before booking? Complete the Contact Form below.

Appointment Information

What to expect

Your initial testing session at the Banff Sport Medicine clinic will be 75-90 minutes in length.

It will begin with resting baseline measures where you will be fitted with a chest heart rate monitor and become familiar with the lactate sampling process.

The test itself is typically completed while running or cycling and begins with a 10 minute warm up phase followed by 6-9 stages that are each 3-5 minutes in length. At the end of each 3-5 minute stage, your blood lactate will be sampled and heart rate recorded.

Following completion of the test, you will receive a results package that includes the raw data from your test and an outline of your heart rate zones relative to your lactate at each intensity. You can then use this data to inform your training.

As cardiovascular performance improves with training, the heart rate that is required to reach aerobic and anaerobic threshold often changes as well. 

As a result, many athletes find that routine lactate testing (e.g. every 3-6 months) provides meaningful data to inform their heart rate training zones. 

How do I book an appointment?

No referral is needed to book an appointment.

Call 403 760 2897 ext 3 or book online here.

Book Your Blood Lactate Threshold Testing