Start with the end in mind—ask: “What holds me back on race day: engine size, surge-and-recover ability, technique, or fuelling?” If you’re not sure, just reach out and I will point you to the smallest test that answers the biggest question.

• If you need basic training zones or a health benchmark, a VO₂max test is the best first pass.

• If you feel strong but crack when the pace surges, the Performance Recovery Profile (PRP) will show whether the limiter is anaerobic work capacity or slow recovery kinetics.

• Struggling to hold aero position or want “free speed” on the bike? Choose Field Aero Testing.

• Concerned about under-fuelling, weight plateau, or RED-S risk? Go straight to the Metabolic Assessment.

• Technique looks sloppy (running or swimming)? A form review beats another physiology test.

• Chasing podiums or stuck despite doing the basics right? The Pro Full-Stack Profiling gives a 360° view—zones, ceilings, economy, limiters—in one hit.

• Time-crunched cyclists who already know FTP but want a quick CP/W′ update can use the DARK 3-minute test.

When in doubt, start with the least complex assessment that addresses your suspected weakness; we can layer deeper tests later only if the first pass doesn’t explain the performance gap.

Yes—​with the right mix. Think “one high-intensity test plus low-load add-ons,” not two max tests back-to-back.

Good same-day pairings

• Resting Metabolic Rate + VO₂max (metabolic first, brief break, then ramp)

• VO₂max or DARK + running or swim technique filming (tech work is light, doesn’t sap the ramp)

• Metabolic Assessment + gait analysis + bike fit/field aero fit check (all low intensity)

• Any technique combination (run form, swim stroke, bike fit) can be stacked because none require maximal effort.

Combinations we won’t book together

• Two max-effort tests on the same system (e.g., VO₂max and DARK, or VO₂max and PRP). Fatigue from the first will invalidate the second and elevate injury risk.

• PRP or DARK paired with field aero testing on the same day—both need fresh legs for better readings. Even a moderate effort before Dark would not work, and riding while fatigued will compromise your posture on the bike.

How it works logistically

• We schedule the metabolic or technique block first, give you 30 min+ to hydrate and change kit, then run the high-intensity protocol.

• Total lab time for a “combo” visit is usually 90–120 min; bring an easily digested snack and a bottle with electrolytes.

• Reports still arrive separately (24–72 h, depending on the test) so nothing is delayed.

If you’re unsure, tell us what you need most and how much time you can spare; we’ll build the safest, most efficient schedule.

Times below include kit setup, any required warm-up, the test itself, and a brief on-the-spot debrief (≈ 15 min). A detailed PDF/video report follows within 24–72 h; you can email questions once you’ve read it.

• DARK 3-Minute All-Out — 15–20 min total. Minimal warm-up (we want the “cold shock” response), under 10 min for equipment check, 3 min test, 5 min cool-down and safety chat.

• Resting Metabolic Rate + body-comp — 25–30 min. Five-minute setup, 15 min relaxed breathing, quick body-comp scan, rapid debrief.

• VO₂max Ramp — 40–45 min. Includes 10 min progressive warm-up, mask fitting, 8–15 min ramp, and cool-down.

• Performance Recovery Profile (PRP) — 40–60 min. Warm-up, three to four 30-60 s max bouts with long recoveries, finger-stick lactate, final cool-down.

• Field Aero Session — 2.5–3 h block at the test road (covers 8–12 out-and-back runs and position tweaks).

• Swim or Run Technique Quick-Fix — 30 min deck-side or track-side filming and cueing.

• Pro Full-Stack Profiling or Full Biomechanics — ≈ 90 min. Multi-sensor setup, acyclic protocol, lactate sticks, video capture, extended cool-down.

Setup rarely takes more than 10 min if your bike/shoes are ready; warm-up demands vary by test goal (some protocols start you “cold” to capture true kinetics). We keep the schedule tight so you’re in and out with maximal data and minimal downtime.

1. Check-in (5 min). You’re greeted, hand over any gear, and complete a quick waiver/medical questionnaire. If we’re at a partner studio or vendor site most of the equipment is already in place.

2. Briefing & setup (10 min). While we fit masks, sensors, or mount your bike, we explain the protocol: what you’ll feel, why we’re measuring it, safety cut-offs, and “dos and don’ts” (e.g., stay seated, signal if you need to stop).

3. Warm-up (0–10 min). Some tests start you cold to capture first-breath kinetics; others include a structured warm-up. We tell you which when you book.

4. Main test (3–45 min depending on protocol). You perform the ramp, surges, aero runs, gait filming, etc., while we collect data.

5. Cool-down & first debrief (10–15 min). You spin or walk while we skim headline numbers, flag anything urgent, answer immediate questions, and outline when the full report arrives.

6. Pack-up (5 min). We wipe equipment, remove sensors, and make sure you have water, towel, and next-step instructions.

Total time ranges from ~20 min for a DARK test to ~90 min for a Pro Full-Stack or biomechanics session, longer only for field aero work. The goal is clear flow: greet, brief, test, debrief, out the door—no waiting around.

For most healthy, regularly active adults under 45 with no known medical conditions, formal clearance or a pre-test ECG is not mandatory. You will still complete a health questionnaire and sign a liability waiver stating that you have no physician-imposed restrictions on vigorous exercise.

However, written clearance from a physician—ideally including a recent exercise ECG—is required if any of the following apply:

• Diagnosed cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, or congenital heart condition

• Uncontrolled or stage-2 hypertension (resting BP ≥ 160/100 mmHg)

• Diabetes with complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, or poor glycaemic control)

• COPD, moderate-to-severe asthma, or other chronic respiratory disorders

• Family history of sudden cardiac death before age 50

• Current pregnancy or < 8 weeks postpartum

• Orthopaedic or neurological conditions that limit safe maximal effort

• Age ≥ 45 (men) or ≥ 55 (women) plus two or more ACSM risk factors (e.g., smoking, dyslipidaemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle)

Why the caution? A maximal ramp, PRP, or DARK test pushes heart rate to ≥ 95 % of age-predicted max and can provoke arrhythmias or excessive blood-pressure spikes in susceptible individuals. An ECG stress test (or at minimum, physician clearance based on recent vitals and history) verifies that your heart and vessels tolerate high workloads.

Practical steps

1. If you fall into a higher-risk category, book a check-up early; many clinics can combine a standard treadmill ECG with routine blood work.

2. Bring any cardiologist or GP reports with you—we keep them on file, encrypted, for reference.

3. Even with clearance, tell us about any new symptoms (chest pain, unusual fatigue, dizziness) on test day; we can downgrade to a sub-max protocol or reschedule.

Bottom line: low-risk, well-trained athletes usually don’t need extra paperwork; anyone with risk factors does.When in doubt, get the note—it protects you and ensures the data we collect is obtained safely.

What are the pricing tiers and what’s included vs. optional add-ons?

BASE MENU

– DARK 3-min All-Out (20 min visit) ………… $150

– Resting Metabolic + body-comp (30 min) …… $120

– VO₂max Ramp (45 min) ……………………… $160

– Performance Recovery Profile / PRP (60 min) … $329

– Pro Full-Stack Profiling (≈ 90 min) ………… $500

– Field Aero Session (2.5–3 h road block) …… $300

– RUN: Remote Gait Quick-Fix ………………… $100

– RUN: Trackside Tune-Up (30 min) …………… $150

– RUN: Pro Biomech + Metabolic (60 min) …… $300

– SWIM: Remote Quick-Fix …………………… $80

– SWIM: Poolside Tune-Up (30 min) …………… $100

– SWIM: Pro Motion Analysis (90 min) ………… $150

WHAT EVERY BOOKING INCLUDES

• Pre-test checklist and gear guide

• All lab hardware, masks, sensors, lane/track fees

• On-the-spot 15-min debrief

• PDF or video report inside 24–72 h

• Seven-day e-mail Q&A window after you read the report

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

• Lactate profiling during VO₂max (+$30)

• Extended consult 45 min (+$55)

• Custom TrainingPeaks workout export (+$45)

• Technique overlay on VO₂max video (+$25)

VALUE PACKAGES

• Test & Rest (VO₂max + 12-wk re-test) … $295

• Race-Ready Bundle (VO₂max + PRP + Metabolic) … $600

• Endurance Full Stack (VO₂max + Pro Full-Stack + Metabolic) … $575

• Swim–Bike–Run Trio (Stroke Tune-Up + Field Aero + Gait Quick-Fix) … $465

DISCOUNTS & MEMBERSHIP PERKS

• Same-day combo (one high-intensity test + any low-load test) … 10 % off the total

• Return within 4 months for any re-test … 15 % off that visit

• Annual “Frequent Tester” pass (4 or more sessions/year) … 20 % off every booking

• Mailing-list subscribers … occasional single-use 10 % codes announced via e-mail

• Team/club blocks (≥4 athletes) … tiered group pricing—contact us for a quote

Loans of aero helmets, cockpit spacers, smart trainers, or power meters are free when pre-booked. All prices are in USD, tax included, and payment is due at scheduling; you may reschedule up to 24 h before your slot without penalty.

We don’t bill insurance directly and we’re not an in-network provider, so you’ll pay up front with a regular credit or debit card. However, many athletes have successfully used HSA or FSA funds—and, in a few cases, obtained partial insurance reimbursement—when they can show the test is medically necessary.

How that works:

1. Get a doctor’s note or prescription stating the medical purpose (e.g., “VO₂-max and metabolic testing to monitor cardiovascular risk factors” or “lactate profile to manage diabetes and exercise tolerance”).

2. Ask us for an itemised invoice and test protocol summary; we provide CPT-style descriptions and our tax ID so your plan administrator/insurer knows exactly what service was performed.

3. Submit the paperwork (doctor’s note + our invoice) to your HSA/FSA administrator or insurance carrier. Approval depends on your plan’s rules; we can’t guarantee it, but these documents are what they typically require.

Bottom line: you’ll still pay us directly, but we can supply the documentation your doctor and plan need. If you intend to pursue reimbursement, line up the doctor’s note before your appointment to maximise the chance your claim is accepted.

• Up to 24 h before your slot: cancel or move the booking at no cost—just email or text us.

• Inside 24 h: a 50 % late-change fee applies unless you provide a doctor’s note, a positive COVID/flu test, or proof of an acute injury; with documentation we’ll rebook once, free, within 30 days.

• No-show with no notice: full fee is charged—staff time and calibrated kit are already blocked for you.

Data-quality guarantee

If the session runs but the data are compromised (sensor drop-out, calibration fault, unexpected tech issue) we’ll repeat the test at no charge.

Weather and outdoor sessions

Field aero testing depends on low wind and stable conditions. We check the forecast 24 h ahead and ask you to do the same; if conditions look marginal we’ll confirm or reschedule by mutual agreement. If weather forces a same-day cancellation, you can rebook the next available slot or take a full refund—your choice.

Yes. We run mobile “lab-days” for clubs, schools, and corporate wellness programs and discount the per-athlete price on a sliding scale. Typically:

• 4–7 athletes in one block → 10 % off the published rate

• 8–15 athletes → 15 % off

• 16+ athletes or a full-day booking → custom quote (often 20–25 % off)

We bring the VO₂ carts, SmO₂ sensors, lactate kit, smart trainers, and video gear to your venue (pool, track, gym, or team HQ). You supply a quiet room with power and, for bike or run tests, a safe course or trainer space.

Interested? Email or call with your head-count, preferred dates, and which assessments you want. We’ll draft a schedule, gear list, and exact pricing within 48 hours. Yousuli’s goal is to give clubs actionable data without athletes having to travel or book individually.