Lactate Testing, Zone 2, and Metabolic Flexibility with Stephan Nüsser and Prof Paul Laursen

In this episode of the Training Science Podcast, Prof Paul Laursen is joined by Stephan Nüsser, performance physiologist and founder of a performance diagnostics lab in Germany, for a deep and practical discussion on lactate testing and endurance performance. Drawing from decades of applied work with cyclists, endurance athletes, and motocross professionals, Stephan explains how lactate can be used to individualize training, define true Zone 2 intensity, and guide long-term athlete development.

The conversation explores why lactate is often misunderstood, how production and clearance reflect underlying metabolism, and why longer step protocols can provide clearer insight than fixed threshold formulas. They also discuss carb-optimized nutrition, metabolic flexibility, and why training and fueling should be viewed as a single integrated system rather than separate decisions.

References:
https://sndc.de/

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Today’s speakers:

Prof Paul Laursen  https://www.paullaursen.com/   

Stephan Nüsser: https://www.instagram.com/sndcde/

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