Mammoth Performance Lab
The Mammoth Performance Lab specializes in physiological testing and analysis for athletes of all fitness levels, along with sub-maximal exercise testing and wellness programming for the general community. Individualized test results are used to develop comprehensive training programs to improve one’s fitness, well-being, health, quality of life, and athletic endurance performance.
Performance Training and Performance
Athletes turn to altitude training for that “extra edge” in endurance performance. The Mammoth Performance Lab helps athletes develop the most efficient altitude training programs possible by offering:
- VO2max
- Lactate Threshold with Maximal Lactate Steady State (aka “Functional Threshold”)
- Bike Fit Analysis
- Resting Metabolic Rate
- Fuel Substrate testing
- Submax Exercise Testing
- Spin-Scan technology
As a result, athletes are able to train smarter at altitude and make the most of their time in the Eastern Sierra. Resident athletes benefit from testing as well, by maximizing their training program design.
Why is exercise more difficult than at sea level?
- There is an immediate drop in VO2max as one ascends to altitude. The drop becomes exponential the higher one ascends. This change requires an increased effort to maintain any given percentage of absolute sea-level workload.
- There is an acute drop in Lactate Threshold, potentially leading to an earlier onset of muscular fatigue resulting in cessation of exercise
- There is an immediate increase in heart rate and ventilatory rate
Due to these immediate and drastic physiological changes that occur at altitude, athletes often return home detrained due to a lack of appropriate, individualized training. Testing as soon as possible upon arrival to altitude can help determine the best altitude training protocol for your sport. Based upon your individual physiological response to altitude, an altitude-specific training program will maximize your training time and provide the most benefit for your time in Mammoth Lakes.
Performance Testing
Performance testing is the foundation of effective and efficient athletic training and coaching.
What is required to participate?
You must schedule a free pre-test consultation, complete a PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) form and read and sign an Informed Consent form for testing services.
Is testing just for professional athletes?
No. Although we do perform testing services for professional and Olympic athletes, any athlete, regardless of his or her competitive level, can benefit from our testing services. Every athlete is treated to the same level of professionalism, attention, and customer service.
Are there any restrictions to testing?
Testing will only be restricted if responses on the PAR-Q indicate physiological testing is too great a risk for you. The Mammoth Performance Lab strictly adheres to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise testing and may require an EKG for men and women in specific age categories and/or based on the PAR-Q. There is an additional cost for the EKG.
What kind of equipment is used?
We use a research-quality metabolic cart (TrueOne 2400) for VO2max testing developed and manufactured by ParvoMedics. This is the same equipment used by many universities and research facilities, as well as the US Olympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs and Chula Vista. We are presently using the Lactate Pro hand-held lactate analyzer for Lactate Threshold testing.
To schedule an appointment, please call (760) 934-7302.