In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Luke Way, Dr. Andrew Sellers and I discuss the balance point assessment and how to assess the respiratory system. We explain the concept of lactate balance point and how it can be used to determine an athlete's physiological limitations. We also discuss the importance of incorporating technology into the assessment process and the need for a bridge between academic physiology and practical coaching. The conversation highlights the value of identifying and addressing respiratory limitations and the role of biomarkers in building a comprehensive training program. This conversation explores the importance of individualized training zones, the limitations of the 220 minus age formula, the role of intelligent training, the relationship between recovery and training intelligence, the value of step testing in training, integrating step testing into everyday training, the role of technology in training, and implementing weekly step tests for monitoring.