Sweat Testing by Precision Hydration
Sweat is not all equal. People often know about sweat rate (how much you sweat). However, that is only one part of the equation. Knowing your sweat sodium concentration can mean that you can personalise your electrolyte intake and adjust it based on your sweat rate in different environments. This becomes a very powerful tool for all endurance athletes.
The Testing Protocol
The test is straightforward; you don’t need to do any exercise or take any blood. We use a process called pilocarpine iontophoresis to initiate sweating on your forearm and then collect the sweat to test using the sodium concentration analyser.
We use this very accurate number and the helpful Precision Hydration and Fuelling planner to help you create the best strategy for your racing, as well as offer helpful advice for training. As the number (mg of sodium per litre of sweat) won’t change, this can be used for a variety of different races: you will just need to adjust your sweat rate value.
Who are these tests for?
These tests are perfect for people who:
Recognise themselves as heavy sweaters
Race long-distance endurance events
Race in hot or humid environments
Typically experience cramping in the second half of endurance events
Are doing multiple training sessions in a day
The outcome of the test provides the cornerstone for your hydration plan.
Locations:
Tri Training Harder HQ – Near Abingdon, Oxfordshire
45-minute consultation.
£100 for a single test. We can offer discounts for multiple tests if carried out together. (10% for two people, 20% for three people, and 25% for four or more). Please include their information in the signup form.
Castle Race Series Events
For the 2024 Castle Race Events, we will be at the expo and able to offer sweat testing. We have shorter appointment durations to allow for flexibility. Please come along early or later, and we will fit you in if you have booked. We are at the following race venues:
22nd/23rd June – Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire
7th July – Hever Castle Festival of Endurance, Kent
27th/28th July – Castle Howard, Yorkshire
28tg/29th September – Hever Castle, Kent
Private Location
We can come to you! This will be arranged with the individual or group. Please contact us, and we will set up a time and a location. This is ideal for groups and clubs. Any additional expenses would be charged.
Group or Club Bookings
We can work with clubs to sweat test club members. This can be done in one sitting or as a one-off. We can do the tests at our HQ, or in an agreed location. Please contact us to arrange the details.
What to expect in a sweat test
Read our latest articles on Hydration and Sweating
“Went in to see Philip for a sweat test. Lovely, friendly bloke with deep knowledge of his subject matter and a clear passion for the sport. Had a great chat and the test flew by. Results were explained thoroughly and this was then put into the context of my training and how I might make the most of this data. He even followed up afterwards to ensure that I find out my sweat rate for maximum precision in my hydration and nutrition strategy. Very positive experience and I look forward to working with him again in the future.”
In this latest article, coach Philip explains why knowing your sodium loss from sweat is critical for endurance athletes. Read on to find out why sodium losses should be measured if you are doing a race that needs a nutrition strategy.