Ventilatory Threshold Testing

Two key transition points during exercise:

• VT1 (First Ventilatory Threshold): Aerobic threshold, ~Zone 2/3 boundary
• VT2 (Second Ventilatory Threshold): Anaerobic threshold, ~lactate threshold
• Detected through breathing pattern changes
• Correlate with blood lactate thresholds

First threshold marks shift in metabolism:

• Breathing becomes more pronounced
• Lactate begins to rise gradually
• Fat oxidation peaks near VT1
• Upper limit of "conversational" exercise
• Typically 60-75% VO₂ max

Second threshold marks significant metabolic shift:

• Breathing becomes labored
• Lactate accumulates rapidly
• Sustainable for 30-60 minutes
• Corresponds to lactate threshold / tempo pace
• Typically 80-90% VO₂ max

Ventilatory thresholds vs. blood lactate:

• No finger pricks or blood draws
• Continuous breath measurement
• Excellent correlation with lactate thresholds
• More comfortable testing experience

Thresholds define three training zones:

• Zone 1: Below VT1 (easy, aerobic base)
• Zone 2: VT1 to VT2 (tempo, threshold)
• Zone 3: Above VT2 (VO₂ max, hard)
• Foundation of polarized training

Below VT1: Fat burning, aerobic base, recovery

At VT2: Threshold intervals, tempo runs, FTP work

Above VT2: VO₂ max intervals, high-intensity

VO₂ Max Test: $250

Complete ventilatory threshold testing with VT1, VT2, and training zones.

Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Behind Hindquarter restaurant (second entrance off Dakota St.)

Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com

Professional ventilatory threshold testing in Santa Cruz.