Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPEX)

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is an objective method of evaluating both cardiac and pulmonary function. During the test and oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output are measured on a breath by breath basis, using this information your "Anaerobic Threshold" can be calculated. Anaerobic Threshold (AT) is the point when subject's move from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism and is a marker of the combine efficiency of the heart, lungs and circulation.  It is used to determine the efficiency of exercise programs and to prescribe exercise intensities. The Anaerobic Threshold also changes as one trains, and is a very good indicator of a person's aerobic fitness and endurance level. A shift to a higher Anaerobic Threshold means that one can work at a high level of effort without building up lactate in the blood.

The Use of Anaerobic Threshold To maximise metabolic fitness an exercises program should vary from month to month and week to week. This is called periodization training and the goal is to emphasize different aspects of training at different and more appropriate times throughout a season or time frame. Generally, individuals should begin the season or program with a phase of easy exercise to build and establish a solid musculoskeletal and aerobic platform or "base". After 1-2 months of this base building you will need to develop a higher tolerance for exercise that is close to and sometimes above your Anaerobic Threshold in order to shift the Anaerobic Threshold to a higher level.

The shift will enhance your fitness potential as well as create a higher sustainable power and higher potential for burning calories during and even hours after exercise.