Anthony Deroeux / @antho.dx
Heat training and sweat testing to help you perform at your best at the Marathon des Sables
We use our heat chamber to acclimate athletes so that they're ready to perform in the extreme conditions they'll face in the Sahara.
Beyond heat acclimation, we offer a number of performance tests and specialist training services tailored to preparing for the MdS, including:
- Sweat Rate Testing, to help you figure out how much you need to drink in training and out in the desert
- Sweat Sodium Concentration Testing, which tells you how much sodium you lose in your sweat to help you dial in your hydration strategy
Alongside pacing and foot care, hydration is one of the most important factors behind success at the MdS, so spending some time getting this right is crucial.
Getting acclimated to the conditions you'll face in the Sahara is crucial
Pierre Meslet – 6th at the 2023 Marathon des Sables
Heat acclimation and hydration at the Marathon des Sables:
Marathon des Sables Services
Preparing for the MDS
Getting heat acclimated means training in a simulated hot environment to help the body adapt to performing in the heat, and has long been accepted as a proven way to improve performance in the heat and in temperate conditions. Understanding individual sweat sodium losses is crucial to building a hydration strategy which suits you, and will help balance your electrolyte intake.
Sweat Test + 2x Heat Experience + Heat Acclimation Homework
@ the Lab
Combine understanding your sweat sodium concentration with a 60 minute session in our heat chamber to get a handle on your sweat rate. Then, after completing our 10-day at-home MDS heat acclimation protocol, return to the lab for a follow up session in the heat chamber to help finalise your hydration strategy.
£339 (Save >20%)
What it involves
- Sitting comfortably for ~30-45 minutes whilst our Sweat Test kit stimulates a small patch of your forearm to sweat maximally and we collect a sample. No needles, no exercise.
- A sub-maximal exercise session for ~60 minutes at ~40°C (104°F)
- + ~30 minutes of pre-post-exercise set-up and consultation
- An MDS specific 10 session at-home acclimation protocol designed to be completed in your own time
- A follow-up ~60 minute sub-maximal exercise session at ~40°C (104°F) in the Precision Performance Lab as an additional heat session and to assess your performance improvements
What you learn
- Understand your sweat sodium concentration (in milligrams per litre of sweat), so you can tailor the strength of your drinks for the desert
- Understand your sweat rate (in Litres per hour) in the heat you'll experience in the Sahara, so you can dial in how much you drink during training and when you're in the desert
- How best to manage your performance when training and racing in hot conditions
- Understand the impact heat has on your core body temperature
- Learn the basic principles of heat training
- A fuel & hydration plan for Marathon des Sables
This service is ideal for
- Anyone spending a week in the Sahara!
- Athletes who struggle to perform in the heat, but can't work out why
- Athletes who struggle with cramp, particularly late on in races
- Athletes who feel bloated, thirsty or have a dry mouth, or pee frequently during training and racing
Sweat Test + 2x Heat Experience + Heat Acclimation Homework
@ the Lab
Combine understanding your sweat sodium concentration with a 60 minute session in our heat chamber to get a handle on your sweat rate. Then, after completing our 10-day at-home MDS heat acclimation protocol, return to the lab for a follow up session in the heat chamber to help finalise your hydration strategy.
£339 (Save >20%)
More questions?
Contact usWhat if I Want More? - Other Lab Services
Sweat Test
@ the Lab
Understand how salty your sweat is with our at-rest test and dial in your hydration strategy with our 'sweat experts'.
£120
Heat Experience
1 session
Run or cycle for 60 minutes in extreme conditions to see how you handle the heat! Challenge for the "King or Queen of Sweat" on our Sweat Scoreboard.
£149
Sweat Test + Heat Experience
@ the Lab
Combine understanding your sweat sodium concentration with a 60 minute session in our heat chamber to get a handle on your sweat rate and further dial in your hydration plan.
£225 (Save ~10%)
Heat Hero
10 sessions
Get optimal performance gains by jumping into the heat for ten 60 minute workouts. Usually done over ~14-20 days. Free PF&H electrolytes and 2 x PF 30 Gels or Chews.
£999 (Save 33%)
Heat Acclimation
5 sessions
Achieve performance-enhancing heat adaptations with five 60 minute sessions in the heat chamber. Typically conducted over ~7-10 days. Free PF&H electrolytes and 2 x PF 30 Gels or Chews.
£629 (Save >15%)
More questions?
Contact usHeat training is a powerful performance tool which is largely underused by the average athlete.
Victor Campenaerts – Tour de France Stage winner
See how the Lotto Cycling Team use heat training:
Plan your visit
Arriving by train?
Arriving by car?
Here’s the What 3 Words location: https://what3words.com/next.refreshed.handbook
Our HQ is a lovely converted Sawmill with a gravel driveway, literally just off the main road. When you arrive, if they’re free, you can park out front in the spaces to the left of the building. Or head through the gates on the right and park around the back. Please just keep the channel on the right free so delivery vehicles can access the warehouse at the back of the plot. Then head in via the central glass “patio” door at the back of the building and someone will greet you.
Frequently asked questions
Do heat acclimation sessions have to be on consecutive days?
What do I have to bring with me to the sessions?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can I train that day while completing heat acclimation trials?
What happens if I buy a pack and then am unable to attend 1 or more sessions (due to any reason such as sickness, injury etc)?
Got questions?
Email our experienced Sports Science team, or book in for a free video consultation to get them answered. No hard-sell, just friendly folks who'll help you understand how our lab could help you perform at your best.
Speak to a human