Metabolic Performance.
Discover key physiological metrics that define your cardiorespiratory endurance, performance and recovery, along with the data required to optimise them.
Metrics Analysed.
Metabolic Efficiency
Metabolic Efficiency refers to the body’s ability to use fat as its primary energy source during physical activity, minimizing reliance on glycogen (stored carbohydrates). Improved Metabolic Efficiency supports sustained energy production, enhances endurance by conserving glycogen stores, and promotes stable blood sugar levels and better fat utilisation, making it particularly beneficial for long-duration activities and overall metabolic health.
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Metabolic Efficiency is measured using Ventilatory Threshold 1 (VT1). VT1 represents the exercise intensity at which fat oxidation is at its peak before the body starts relying more on carbohydrates for fuel.
Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Cardiorespiratory Endurance is the body’s capacity to sustain aerobic exercise over extended periods. It reflects how efficiently the cardiovascular and respiratory systems work together to deliver oxygen to the working muscles during moderate-to-high-intensity activities. High cardiorespiratory endurance allows for prolonged exertion without rapid fatigue, making it essential for endurance sports and overall cardiovascular health.
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Cardiorespiratory Endurance is typically measured by identifying Ventilatory Threshold 2 (VT2), the point where the body shifts from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. At VT2, the body can no longer rely solely on oxygen for energy, and lactate begins to accumulate, marking the highest intensity that can be sustained without rapid fatigue. VT2 is assessed through respiratory analysis, which detects changes in oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production to pinpoint the transition from aerobic to anaerobic energy systems.
Cardiorespiratory Performance
Cardiorespiratory Performance indicates the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilise during peak exertion, serving as a measure of overall aerobic capacity and performance potential. It is defined by VO2 Max - the maximum volume of oxygen (in millilitres) consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute - and marks the body’s peak aerobic capacity.
Substrate Utilisation
Substrate Utilisation represents the relative contributions of fat and carbohydrate used to produce energy during activity. This data provides valuable insights into the calories, fat, and carbohydrates burned at increasing levels of exertion, enabling you to optimize caloric intake and macronutrient ratios to support weight loss and/or performance goals.
Cardiovascular Recovery
Cardiovascular Recovery indicates how quickly your heart rate returns to resting levels after exercise, providing insight into cardiovascular health and autonomic nervous system function. It is evaluated through Heart Rate Recovery (HRR), calculated as the difference between peak heart rate and heart rate two minutes after intense physical activity ends.
Deliverables.
Performance Report
Following your assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report interpreting your test results. This report includes detailed information on your current metabolic health and performance status and includes specialist recommendation on how best to improve them.
Personalised Training Zones
Metabolix™ have created four unique training zones, each one designed to elicit specific physiological adaptations.
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Unlike other traditional training zone models which anchor to one single variable, Metzones™ utilise three physiological datapoints, unique to you and your individual physiology, to demarcate training zone intensity.
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This method provides a more accurate, data driven approach to exercise prescription, ensuring every workout conducted provides the most optimal results.
FAQs.
What is it?
Metabolic Performance Analysis measures your body's ability to obtain and utilise oxygen during exercise, identifying key physiological metrics that define your metabolic efficiency, cardiorespiratory endurance, performance and recovery capabilities.
How does it work?
The test commences at a moderate intensity and the speed on a treadmill, or resistance on a stationary bicycle, is increased at periodic intervals until you reach maximum effort and are no longer able to continue.
During the test, our state of the art, medical grade laboratory equipment measures your ability to obtain and utilise oxygen to produce energy, along with the amount of calories burned and the ratio of fat / carbohydrate utilised.
Who is it for?
Metabolic Performance Analysis is ideal for anyone looking to establish their current level of cardiorespiratory fitness and discover the optimal training zone intensities required to improve metabolic efficiency, cardiorespiratory endurance, performance and recovery.
Why is it useful?
Metabolic Performance Analysis is the most accurate way to establish your current level of cardiorespiratory fitness and determine personalised training zones unique to you and your individual physiology.
From elite athletes to individuals completely fresh to fitness, this test provides you with a baseline from which your fitness progress can be measured, along with all of the information required to ensure that your future workouts are as effective and efficient as possible.