CSU Lab Offers Performance Testing

If you’ve ever wanted access to the same lab-grade performance testing used by pros, you’re in luck. The Performance Health Analysis program at CSU’s Human Performance Clinical Research Lab is offering cutting-edge exercise and body composition testing to help Northern Colorado cyclists and endurance athletes fine-tune their fitness. Full details on the services, staff, and how to schedule an appointment are below.

PERFORMANCE HEALTH ANALYSIS CONTINUES TO SERVE LOCAL COMMUNITY

The Performance Health Analysis (PHA) program, based in the Human Performance Clinical Research Lab (HPCRL) at Colorado State University, offers state-of-the-art exercise and body composition testing to support the health and performance of the greater Front Range community.

CSU’s Human Performance Lab Offers Local Cyclists Science-Backed Performance Health Testing

Performance Health Analysis (PHA) operates out of the Human Performance Clinical Research Lab (HPCRL) at Colorado State University. The HPCRL is a research center housed in the Department of Health and Exercise Science (HES) and supports the mission to discover new knowledge through excellence in research in the areas of health and human performance. HES aims to spread that knowledge through academic and outreach programs.

While the lab is involved in multiple research studies, the PHA program is open to the public and regularly serves the community throughout Colorado. Services are designed to help clients better understand their physiology, monitor progress, and fine-tune their training and health markers. Using science-backed data, the team can provide more effective training strategies to get you closer to your goals.

CSU Track and Field Athlete Eldridge Harris receiving a VO2Max test administered by HPCRL Research Associate and PHA Coordinator Genevieve Kalb.

What Makes HPCRL Unique?

With limited access to public labs, the HPCRL is one of the few facilities in the Front Range that provides exercise tests using research-grade equipment, such as the PARVO metabolic cart and Hologic Horizon A DEXA. Additionally, the full-time medical director ensures clients have access to a physician to supervise testing at any time, maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.

The HPCRL also emphasizes client education. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a national-level competitor, the team guides you through the testing process, ensuring you understand what your numbers mean and how to utilize them effectively. Additionally, with most services priced lower than private coaching or commercial labs, the program is accessible to a wide range of clients.

The program is also expanding rapidly and introducing new services. In the coming months, PHA is preparing to roll out a new coaching program that integrates test results with structured training plans tailored to each client’s physiology and goals.

Services Offered

Performance Health Analysis offers advanced testing to support people of all ages and fitness levels to achieve short-term goals and long-term wellness:

• VO2 Max Test
  Measures the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can use during exercise. Often considered the gold standard for aerobic capacity, this test helps athletes monitor their cardiovascular fitness and identify aerobic thresholds.

• Zones Test
  A submaximal test that identifies the heart rate, oxygen consumption, and power output at different exercise intensities. Useful for athletes who want to train in specific heart rate or power zones based on physiology rather than estimates.

• Lactate Threshold
  Helps determine the point at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood—a key indicator for endurance performance. Cyclists often use this to dial in training intensity for tempo and threshold workouts.

• Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR)
  Assesses how many calories your body burns at rest. This is useful for endurance athletes looking to better understand their energy needs during base building, race prep, or recovery phases.

• DEXA Scan
  Provides a comprehensive breakdown of body composition, including fat mass and lean mass. Athletes use this to track changes over a season or during specific training cycles.

• Bod Pod
  A quick, non-invasive method of estimating body fat percentage using air displacement. While not as detailed as DEXA, it’s a convenient and cost-effective option for basic tracking.

Please check the website for up-to-date prices on tests. Discounts are available for CSU students and employees, and bundled pricing is also offered for multiple tests.

How to Schedule a Test

MENTION THIS ARTICLE AND GET 15% OFF YOUR FIRST SERVICE.

Tests are available year-round and are scheduled based on lab and client availability. Appointments can be made directly through the lab’s website or by phone. Hours are flexible and typically accommodate early morning or mid-day slots—ideal for those fitting testing in between training or work.

Whether you’re chasing a podium spot, trying to maximize your training hours, or seeking a better understanding of your overall wellness, PHA offers a science-backed approach to improving the health of our community.

📍 Location: 910 Moby Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (Located in Moby B Complex on the CSU Campus)
🔗 Website: HPCRL Performance Health Analysis
📞 Phone: (970) 491-6120

Local Athletes Already Taking Advantage

Many local athletes have already utilized the lab to benchmark their fitness, guide off-season training, or refine their training strategies. The lab’s testing has supported high-level athletes preparing for events like the US Mountain Running Championships and student athletes seeking a competitive edge over their peers. With most cyclists using wearable tech to monitor rides, tests like VO2 max and zones tests give context to the numbers, translating raw heart rate and respiratory data into much more personalized results. The HPCRL Wahoo Kickr also allows cyclists to bring in their own bike to ensure the most customized results possible. A list of bicycles and hubs that are compatible with the Kickr is listed here.

The team ensures every client receives a detailed report within 7 business days after testing. Each report includes charts, data interpretation, and personalized notes. Clients can also schedule free consultations before or after testing to discuss results and ask follow-up questions or questions about the test itself.

Staff Highlights

• David P. Thomson, MS, MD, MPA, FACEP, FAEMS, FAsMA, FAMPA, Clinical Professor and the current Medical Director, brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in emergency medicine. In addition to overseeing PHA and research activities, he also supervises stress testing for the HPCRL Heart Disease Prevention Program.

• Laurie Biela, M.S., ACRP-CP, is the co-founder of PHA alongside the former Medical Director, Dr. Scott Fahrner. The service offerings and programs have experienced substantial growth since their inception, now serving clients throughout the state of Colorado (and beyond). Laurie is grateful for the opportunity to expand Scott’s original vision, and she looks forward to offering even more services to increase evidence-based access to health, aging, and wellness data to clients at any stage of their wellness journey.

• Genevieve Kalb, coordinator of the PHA program and CSU’s Spring Semester Outstanding Graduate in Health and Exercise Science – Health Promotion Concentration, oversees daily operations and ensures high-quality client services. She works alongside trained research associates to provide personalized, evidence-based physiological testing for athletes and individuals seeking to improve their health. Genevieve also supports ongoing research in the Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory and helps apply findings in real-world settings. Additionally, she leads community outreach efforts to expand access to health education and performance testing.