Hi, Peter here, founder of PMA. The simple reason I have included lactate analysers in our product portfolio is that I experimented with them myself and the results shocked me a bit.  I tested myself and then adjusted my training sessions to reflect the results in the 6 weeks before an event, the 2025 Mooloolaba Aquabike. The result was my fastest ever ride on that course, at my highest ever power (40km in 1:01 at 305 watts).  I have ridden that course many, many times over the 10 years before, in identical conditions.  I thought I had my training dialled in, and I was almost right.  I was training around 10 watts too high in most of my sessions. Historically, I would have dismissed a 10 watt variance as irrelevant, but that small adjustment made a huge difference to my consistency of training and recovery.  I guarentee you will feel the difference.

The lesson here is that you cannot beat your lactate threshold into submission with hard training and expect to see improvements - you will plateau well below your best, as your body struggles to recover.  You need to identify where your threshold is and gently nudge it along over time.  For cycling, you replace your FTP sessions with Lactate threshold sessions, in doing so you will, over time, see your lactate threshold surpass your old FTP.  That's been my experience.

If you are a coach or are looking to use our lactate analyzer as part of your work, we have a special program for you.  DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Detailed knowledge of the lactate threshold is pivotal to the famed  "Norwegian method" of training.  You only have to look at the Ironman World Championship podiums or Olympic middle distance running to see this in effect.

Whether you train on your own, with your friends, or with a coach, nothing will advance your endurance performance like an accurate understanding of your lactate threshold.

Invest just 45 minutes every 4-8 weeks to correctly identify your training zones and you will see the return on your training significantly increase.  You don't need to test in every session, you stick to the threshold metrics you identify in your test, then re-test (every 4-8 weeks) and adjust over time. 

The science to support this is very well understood, and universally accepted.

It is this simple,  If you know your lactate threshold, and train it properly, you will maximise your performance gains, if you don't, you won't.

To train your lactate threshold you have two choices. 

1. Very short, very hard intervals, with rest in between; or
2. Extended periods of exercise within a very thin margin on either side of your threshold.

Option 2 is the most effective method for most people and comes with less injury risk and is more repeatable.  It also leads to the effective training of other physiological systems essential for most sports. 

But don't take our word for it, there are literally hundreds of research articles on the subject you can find with a simple search.

To date, this type of testing has been really stuck in the lab.  But, not any more.  Our easy-to-use VivaChek lactate Analyzers bring laboratory testing to you, within your normal training environment.

The Vivachek Lactate Analyzer has gained good traction in Europe with both Athletes and coaches.  We even have some Olympic and World champions using them across a whole range of sports. 

The VivaChek lactate meter is calibrated against the YSI Biochemistry Analyzer, a widely accepted gold standard in lactate testing. 

Why did we decide to range the Vivachek model instead of any other?  We tested 6 models of Lactate meters, ranging in price from $200 to $1000.  We found a clear cut-off in terms of reliability.  The VivaChek model was the most reasonably priced that delivered 100% accurate and consistent results across 10  consecutive readings. Sadly, the cheaper models were just not reliable.  We rely on it for our training, so can you.

Quick note - We get asked this all the time but yes, the system will work well on horses!