Anaerobic Threshold

What is Anaerobic Threshold?

The anaerobic threshold — also called the second lactate threshold (LT2) or second ventilatory threshold (VT2) — is the intensity at which blood lactate begins to accumulate exponentially. Below this threshold, the body can clear lactate roughly as fast as it is produced, making the effort sustainable. Above it, lactate accumulates rapidly, breathing becomes laboured, and the effort can only be sustained for a limited time (typically 20-40 minutes for trained athletes). In rowing terms, anaerobic threshold pace is approximately your 30-minute all-out erg pace, or roughly 5-8 seconds per 500m slower than your 2K pace. Heart rate at anaerobic threshold is typically 85-92% of maximum. Training at or near this threshold is highly effective for improving race performance but is also very fatiguing, so it should represent no more than 15-20% of total training volume.

Formula

How Watta Uses Anaerobic Threshold

Further Reading

• Concept2 Training Resources — Official training guides and workout plans from Concept2.
• Concept2 RowErg Specifications — Technical specifications and performance monitor details.
• World Rowing — The international governing body for the sport of rowing.