What up CAMPers? If you’ve done the Metabolic Test at CAMP and still don’t know why we put you through it, then not to worry, we’re working on firing that trainer as we speak. If you haven’t ever had it done, then read on!
So we have you put a mask on your face. Check.
You step up on the high-speed treadmill. Check.
Ten minutes later, you are having a hard time standing up. Check.
What was that all about?
The goofy mask we strap to your face is connected to a tube that is connected to a box, which is connected to our computer. As you run, the carbon dioxide you breathe out travels down that tube and is measured by the box and recorded by our computer. The test lasts about ten minutes and is designed to push you to your limit, to the edge of your breaking point, to that moment between life and death (just kidding), in order to determine your:
Aerobic Base: indicates the level at which you are most efficient at using fat as an energy source. Based on heart rate.
Lactate Threshold: the maximum intensity that you can perform at for a sustainable period of time. During this time, your muscles create lactate as you burn mostly sugars as your energy source.
VO2 Max: -the maximum amount of oxygen that you can take in during intense exercise.
These three elements then allow us to determine your specific and individual cardio training program. When you come in for a session at CAMP, we know how hard to push you as an individual, based on how the cells in your body handle exercise. This way, you get the most out of your time training with us. No slacking for you! This personalized training is part of what sets CAMP apart from other training facilities. (Other than our charming and ridiculously good looking staff and the all around energetic atmosphere.)
Don’t worry, people make the test out to be worse than it really is. The first few minutes are actually very similar to a Sunday walk around the neighborhood. If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment below or come in and talk to one of us!
Jane Campbell Performance Specialist / Trainer CAMP, Building Better Athletes LLC