Performance Testing at the Columbia Runners Heart Clinic
Make an Appointment
Our team is here to help you make an appointment with the specialists that you need.
The Columbia Runners Heath Clinic offers VO2Max and lactate threshold testing to the public. If you are training for your next race, these tests provide objective data to improve and inform your training. Or if you are curious about your fitness and would like to find out your heart rate zones to optimize your exercise, these tests are for you. They are administered in a clinical setting using clinical metabolic stress testing equipment. Additionally, after completing these tests you are welcome to schedule a visit with the Columbia Runners Heart Clinic to discuss your results and your cardiovascular fitness.
VO2Max Testing
VO2Max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body uses during exercise. It is an important measure of overall cardiovascular fitness. This test will also provide heart rate zones and your aerobic/anaerobic thresholds, all of which can be used to inform your exercise and improve your fitness. The test begins with a warmup walk or jog and then the treadmill speed and incline increase gradually until you safely reach exhaustion. You will be wearing a mask that measures the air you breath in and out.
Lactate Threshold Testing
Lactate threshold testing is for endurance athletes that would like to evaluate their blood lactate levels at specific running paces. The thresholds estimated by a VO2Max test can be more accurately determined by lactate testing. Prior to the test we will identify your easy pace and then 5-6 progressively faster paces that you would like to evaluate. The test begins at an easy pace for 5 minutes and you will then run at each progressively faster pace for 5 minutes, pausing briefly in between each set to have your blood lactate level drawn from a small fingertip blood sample. You will spend about an hour running on the treadmill.
Logistics
Location: 51 West 51st Street, Suite 330
Duration: 45-60 minutes per test
What to bring: running shoes, water, music
Schedule a Test:
Please reach out using our online form or send an email to runnersheartclinic@cumc.columbia.edu.