A maximal exercise test is performed on a treadmill or on a cycle ergometer. The intensity will be increased every 3 minutes and the test continues until exhaustion.  Every time the intensity is increased, a blood sample is taken and the heart rate is written down. The  blood sample is necessary to determine the lactate level. When we combine the measurements of the heart rate and the lactate values, we can give training specific information.

 In the first part of the test there is no or minimal increase in the lactate level in the blood. When a certain intensity is reached, the lactate level will increase slightly. This is the aerobic threshold. Theoretically this threshold is set at 2mmol lactate/liter blood. At a certain point the lactate level increases exponentially, this point is called the anaerobic threshold and is theoretically set at 4mmol/liter blood. These 2 thresholds are important values in composing the training intensity:

• Under the aerobic threshold it is possible to maintain your training for a long time. The intensity of this training is low, the volume (time) is high. The following workouts are performed within this zone: recuperation training/ fat burning training/ long duration training
• Between the aerobic and anaerobic threshold you work on your basic endurance. The intensity of these tworkouts increases, whereas the volume decreases. Extensive and intensive endurance training are performed within this zone.
• Above the anaerobic threshold your training becomes more intensive. The volume of the training is low. In this zone you train speed and power mostely in intervalform.

The oxygen uptake (VO2) and carbon dioxide output (VCO2) can be measured by ergospirometry. The VO2max is the maximal oxygen uptake of the body and is an indication for endurance (aerobic capacity).

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the registration of the electric activity of the heart muscle. The ECG can give information about the function of the heart and detect possible malfunctions.