Knowledge Base > Physiology and Metrics

Maximum Lactate Production Rate - VLamax

As VO2max is a parameter for your aerobic performance, VLamax is a parameter for your anaerobic performance. As the name suggests, VLamax describes the maximum rate at which lactate can be formed (in mmol/l/s). Lactate production depends on several factors and can be decreased as well as increased through training.

The glycolytic performance - why lactate?

With increasing intensity in training or competition, energy is increasingly provided by the anaerobic metabolism. In this process (the so-called glycolysis), in simple terms, glucose is broken down and lactate is produced. The more energy is provided by the anaerobic metabolism of glycolysis, the more lactate is formed. Thus, VLamax can also be characterized as glycolytic capacity.

↓ VLamax = ↓ Carbohydrates metabolized = ↓ Lactate production = ↓ glycolytic capacity

↑ VLamax = ↑ Carbohydrates metabolized = ↑ Lactate production = ↑ glycolytic capacity

Energy and carbohydrate consumption

The lactate production rate is proportional to the energy output of the glycolysis (carbohydrate metabolism). Since only carbohydrates are metabolized in glycolysis, VLamax is also a parameter that indicates individual carbohydrate consumption. As the body can only store limited amounts of carbohydrates, in the form of glycogen, it is a decisive advantage in cycling and triathlon to know the individual energy and carbohydrate consumption.

Why should I know my VLamax?

• Understand the impact of VLamax on your performance and how your anaerobic threshold is composed.
• Know your carbohydrate consumption for training, racing and pacing strategies.
• Train more effectively by adjusting your training to your metabolic profile and targeting your VLamax.
• Use the AI DIAGNOSTICS potential calculator to study the effects of a VLamax change on your metabolic profile.
• Evaluate your training progress and determine individual training zones for training your VLamax.