Professional Lab Testing
VO₂Max & Lactate Testing at Box Nutrition
Unlock your true potential with precise physiological data. Discover your exact training zones, metabolic thresholds, and performance limiters.
What is VO₂Max & Lactate Testing?
VO₂Max Testing
VO₂Max measures your maximum oxygen uptake - the gold standard metric for aerobic fitness and endurance capacity.
- ✓ Identifies your aerobic ceiling and performance potential
- ✓ Determines optimal training intensities for maximum gains
- ✓ Tracks fitness improvements over time with objective data
Lactate Testing
Lactate threshold testing pinpoints the exact pace where your body shifts from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism.
- ✓ Reveals LT1 (aerobic threshold) and LT2 (anaerobic threshold)
- ✓ Eliminates guesswork - know your exact threshold pace
- ✓ Prevents overtraining and optimises recovery strategies
💡 Why This Matters
Most runners train by feel or outdated formulas (220 minus age). Lab testing gives you personalized, data-driven zones based on YOUR physiology - not generic estimates. This means every training session is precisely calibrated to maximize adaptations and minimize wasted effort.
How Lab Testing Benefits Athletes
For Runners
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Marathon & Half Marathon Training:
Know exactly which pace builds endurance vs. which pace causes fatigue. Nail your race-day pacing strategy.
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5K & 10K Speed:
Discover your VO₂max velocity for interval sessions. Target the exact intensity that develops top-end speed.
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Injury Prevention:
Stop running too hard on easy days. Lab data ensures proper recovery while maintaining training consistency.
For HYROX Athletes
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Pacing Between Stations:
Maintain optimal running intensity between workout stations without blowing up your lactate levels.
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Repeatability & Recovery:
Train at the threshold where you can repeat high-intensity efforts lap after lap without degradation.
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Hybrid Athlete Profiling:
Understand whether you need more aerobic base or anaerobic power for HYROX-specific demands.
🔗 Seamless Run Pace Pal Integration
Your lab test results integrate directly with Run Pace Pal to create the most accurate, personalised training experience possible.
Step 1: Lab Testing
Complete your VO₂Max and lactate testing at Box Nutrition. Get precise physiological data: VO₂max pace, LT1, LT2, heart rate zones.
Step 2: Data Upload
Enter your lab results into Run Pace Pal. The platform automatically calculates all 7 training zones with precision down to seconds per km.
Step 3: Personalised Plans
Generate custom training plans calibrated to YOUR physiology. Every workout is prescribed at the optimal intensity for maximum adaptation.
🏆 The Gold Standard Advantage
Lab-verified data earns you the "Lab-Verified" precision badge in Run Pace Pal - the highest data quality level. Your training zones will be based on real metabolic markers, not estimates. This means better workouts, faster progress, and significantly reduced injury risk.
What Athletes Say
Real reviews from Box Nutrition clients
Matthew Miller
Saw Jack for lactate threshold and VO2 max testing. Super knowledgeable and a great service!
Laura O'Mahony
Jack is genuinely interested in my journey and it is so fantastic to have such personalised data which, with Jacks' expertise, can be used on my journey to improved wellbeing and fitness. Especially of interest was the VO2Max and metabolism tests... to have such detailed information is so satisfying and to understand how it works in my body is revelatory! The VO2Max results will help me control my blood sugars (I have a type 1 diabetes) whilst doing strenuous exercise, safe in the knowledge that it is all science based - no guessing! Jack's support in how to to apply my data going forward is a great support. Really recommend Box Nutrition 😊
Nicole Jackson
I thoroughly enjoyed my BMR testing experience - Jack is very knowledgeable and is very helpful with answering questions and whatnot. I am just a regular person, not even doing exercise regularly at the moment. But I am endlessly curious.
The session was fast paced and we were in and out in about an hour and a half. Jack talked to us the whole time, sharing some really interesting information and helping us better understand out bodies. I have now received the reports and I have nearly 30 pages of information to go through! I have been recommending BMR testing to all of my friends, as it is so interesting and is genuinely helpful.
Adam McCabe
I've been to jack twice now for a full physiological profile. Jack is super knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. He immediately puts you at ease and is great to talk to. My 1st visit was quite literally life changing. Jack clearly set out what I needed to do to improve my vo2 max and my health and it gave me the motivation for a complete lifestyle change. Having recently gone back and retested and seeing the benefits it has fueled my motivation. I encourage anyone of any level to go to jack and have some testing done
See More From Box Nutrition
VO₂Max Setup
Lactate Analysis
The Testing Process
Pre-Test Preparation
Arrive well-hydrated and rested. Avoid intense training 24-48 hours before testing. You'll be fitted with a heart rate monitor and breathing mask to measure oxygen consumption.
Incremental Protocol
You'll run on a treadmill with gradually increasing speed or incline. Every 3-5 minutes, the intensity increases while we measure your oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood lactate levels via ear lobe samples.
Reaching Maximum
The test continues until you reach voluntary exhaustion - this determines your true VO₂max. Don't worry, you control when to stop. The entire test typically lasts 20-40 minutes.
Results Analysis
Within 24-48 hours, you'll receive a comprehensive report showing your VO₂max, lactate curve, threshold markers, and precise training zone recommendations. The team at Box Nutrition will walk you through the findings.
⏱️ What to Expect
- Duration: 60-90 minutes total (including setup, testing, and debrief)
- Equipment: Treadmill, metabolic cart, heart rate monitor, lactate analyser
- Comfort: You'll work hard but the test is safe and supervised by qualified professionals
- Results: Detailed report delivered within 2 business days
📚 Want to Learn More First?
Download our free training guides to understand Critical Speed, Lactate Threshold, and Zone 2 training before booking your test.
Critical Speed & Threshold Guide
Learn what Critical Speed and Lactate Threshold are, how to test for them, and how to use them in training.
Zone 2 Training Guide
Discover why Zone 2 training is the foundation of endurance performance and how to find your optimal intensity.
📍 Box Nutrition & Performance
Professional sports science testing facility in Birmingham, specialising in endurance athlete profiling and performance optimisation.
Address
Box Nutrition & Performance
Hastingwood Business Park
Birmingham, B24 9QR
Contact
Email: info@boxnutrition.co.uk
Phone: 07860 945336
Expert sports scientists and physiologists on-site
Testing Hours
By appointment only
Weekday and weekend slots available
🚀 Book Your Test
Ready to discover your true performance potential? Book a VO₂Max and lactate testing session at Box Nutrition.
💰 Investment
VO₂Max Testing: £125
VO₂Max + Lactate Testing: £175 (Recommended for complete profiling)
🎁 Run Pace Pal Members
Mention you're a Run Pace Pal user when booking - Box Nutrition may offer special pricing for our community!
Ready to Train Smarter?
Combine professional lab testing with Run Pace Pal's intelligent training tools for maximum performance gains.