It’s useful to understand two distinct, but related, concepts in exercise physiology that help gauge an individual’s aerobic fitness and performance capacity. The first indicates the point during intense exercise when lactate begins to accumulate in the blood at a faster rate than it can be removed. The second represents the maximum rate at which an individual can consume oxygen during maximal exertion. Elite endurance athletes often possess high values for both these metrics, demonstrating their exceptional ability to generate energy aerobically.
These physiological markers are significant because they provide valuable insights into an individual’s endurance capacity and potential. A higher level of one often translates to the ability to sustain intense activity for longer periods before fatigue sets in. Historically, assessing these values has allowed coaches and athletes to tailor training programs more effectively, optimizing performance in endurance sports. It allows understanding of physiological limit of body when exercising.
