Sports Physiology and Exercise Testing
Sports Physiology and Exercise Testing
Physiology testing trusted by Grand Tour winners and Olympic marathon runners, now available to cyclists and runners across Devon. The University of Exeter's Sports Physiology and Exercise Testing (SPET) service brings the same methods used with elite athletes to you.
Understanding your body’s physiological strengths and limitations is key to maximising your athletic potential. Our testing services provide:
✅ Tested by the same team that prepares Grand Tour and Olympic level athletes, not a generic sports science lab
✅ Personalised training zones based on your own physiology, not standard tables
✅ Nutrition guidance grounded in published, peer reviewed research into carbohydrate metabolism
✅ A full written report and follow up conversation, not just numbers on a page
✅ University of Exeter research laboratory equipment and standards
Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or simply looking to improve, physiological testing provides the roadmap to success.
Our testing service is led by some of the most respected names in sports physiology:
🏃 Professor Andy Jones – A globally recognized expert in endurance performance, Andy has played a pivotal role in the training of world-record-breaking runners, including Eliud Kipchoge’s historic sub-2-hour marathon project.
🚴 Dr. Tim Podlogar – A leading sports scientist specialising in cycling physiology, Tim has worked with professional cycling teams and top-tier endurance athletes, helping to optimise training and nutrition strategies. Among others, his expertise has contributed to two victories in Cycling Grand Tours.
Decades of research and elite level practice mean the insight you get here goes well beyond a standard fitness test. It is why athletes choose us even when testing is available closer to home or at a lower cost.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory offers a full suite of performance assessments, including:
👉 Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO₂max): Measure your aerobic capacity and endurance potential.
👉 Lactate Threshold Testing: Identify your optimal training and racing intensities.
👉 Exercise Economy: Learn how efficiently your body uses energy at different speeds/intensities.
👉 Body Composition Analysis: Understand your muscle-to-fat ratio for performance optimisation.
👉 Training Zone Prescription: Tailor your workouts for maximum gains.
Whether you’re preparing for a marathon, cycling event, or simply aiming to improve your fitness, our data-driven approach helps you train smarter, not harder.
Global Cycling Network recently visited us with Andrew Feather to better understand his physiology: