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Lactate is the unique
metabolic variable that indicates the capability of the muscles for an
athletic performance. We emphasize "unique" in the preceding sentence
because no other metabolic parameter provides the same information. The
ability of the muscles to reach a peak performance during an athletic event
requires that the systems providing energy be "fine tuned" or "balanced"
properly so that the athlete can generate the highest amount of energy
per unit of time during a race. Proper training is what accomplishes this
fine tuning or optimal balance and it is lactate testing that lets the
coach know if the balance has been obtained or how each energy system must
be trained in order to obtain the balance. |
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Coaching is a profession
requiring both art and science. The building blocks for an optimal
performance are many and must be constructed in a proper sequence and must
recognize that each individual is different. Some of these building blocks
are correct technique, positive mental attitude and a proper diet. However,
the cornerstone for this building is precise physiological training. That
is the main reason an athlete spends so much time in the pool, on the bike,
on the track or the road, in the weight room or wherever training is best
conducted. Ask yourself, do you know if all those miles/hours of training
are paying out? |
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But what is appropriate
physiological training? It is not volume or else those who put in the
most hours/miles would be the winners. It is not intensity or else those
who pushed themselves the hardest would be the winners. It is not someone's
favorite workout or else everyone would be copying the magic workout or
training pace. It turns out that each individual has their own way of adapting
and any smart training plan must recognize this. This is a fact of life.
Each has to find his or her own way to the proper balance of the energy
systems and peak conditioning on the day that counts, race day. |
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With proper protocols
the Accusport Portable Lactate Analyzer enables the coach to measure
both the aerobic and anaerobic conditioning of each athlete. Information
about both is necessary for the coach to optimize the conditioning of each
athlete whether they are a 50 meter freestyle swimmer (about 25 seconds
per race) or an Ironman triathlete (over 8 hours per race). With information
on each energy system the coach can plan, control and monitor the training
of athletes with a precision not available before. The Accusport provides
the important information that enables the coach to individualize the
intensity of each athlete's workout and control their training so they
reach performance objectives. No over-training and no surprises come race
day. |
How does Lactate Testing do this?
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Provides a multi-dimensional
profile of conditioning. Because lactate is produced by the anaerobic system
and used by the aerobic system it is the only marker available for measuring
each system. The amount of energy an athlete can produce per unit of time
depends on the development of both systems which is why they have to be
balanced. (Essentially this means training the anaerobic system to a
level that is appropriate for the athlete's aerobic capacity.) This
balance will depend upon the event for which the athlete is competing and
will also depend upon which part of the training cycle the athlete is in.
The closer the athlete gets to the "big" event the balance will have to
be "fine tuned" for a peak performance. |
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Show adaptation in each
system. Over time changes in blood lactate levels tell the coach what physiological
adaptation has taken place in each system. It tells the coach which forms
of training are working or not working. Training time becomes much more
efficient as the athlete performs only workouts that work. The Accusport
becomes a "training compass" that "steers" each athlete in the right direction.
It is much more relevant than heart rate monitoring which reflects a general
overall body response to stress and doesn't necessarily reflect what is
happening in the muscles or with the anaerobic system. It is much more
versatile than VO2 testing which requires very expensive equipment. |
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Teaches coaches and
athletes what is required for a peak performance. Lactate testing is also
a learning and motivating experience for coaches and athletes as they become
much more aware of the interactions of variables and the other nuances
that affect workouts as well as performance. Since the emphasis will be
on training energy systems and not the use of very broad training zones,
coaches will understand what works best for each energy system and why,
what may be counter productive and when and in what sequence various types
of training are appropriate. |
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If you purchase one
of the testing packages you'll get:
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The most affordable
lactate testing system in the world. Low prices on analyzers and testing
materials. Individual test packages from $350. |
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The Secrets of Lactate CD-ROM -
most extensive discussion of lactate testing for the training of athletes
in English or probably any other language. |
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Available on CD-ROM using Windows
Browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. Includes a bibliography
of over 2050 references on lactate metabolism and lactate testing. |
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For all additional info send
email to: accusport@lactate.com
Transffered on November 2nd, 2002
All contents © Sports Resource Group, Inc.
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