why sweat sodium matters
Not all athletes lose the same amount of sodium through sweat.
A Sweat Sodium Test identifies your individual sweat sodium concentration so you can make more informed hydration decisions during training and racing.
Knowing your number can help you better understand how much sodium you may need to replace during longer sessions and events, especially in hot conditions or when sweat losses are high.
ONE TEST. ANSWERS YOU CAN USE FOR YEARS.
Your sweat sodium concentration is influenced largely by genetics and tends to remain relatively stable over time. Unlike fitness testing, this isn’t something you need to repeat every few months as your training changes.
For most athletes, one Sweat Test is enough to establish your individual sweat sodium concentration and give you a number you can use for years to come.
Once you know how salty your sweat is, you can use that information to make more informed hydration decisions across training, racing, different distances, and changing conditions.
Your sweat rate will change depending on factors like temperature, intensity, and environment, but your underlying sweat sodium concentration is much more consistent.
simple.painless.no exercise required.
No blood test.
No need to bust a gut on a treadmill.
No need to wait while your sample goes off to a lab for analysis.
Our Sweat Test in Victoria, BC take about 45 minutes, and all you have to do is sit comfortably while we talk through how you train, compete, fuel, and hydrate.
The test itself is simple, painless, and extremely accurate.
You’ll leave your appointment knowing your sweat sodium concentration, what that number means, and how to start applying it to your hydration strategy.
what you leave with
✓ Your individual sweat sodium concentration
✓ An understanding of what your result means
✓ Personalized hydration recommendations
✓ Guidance on sodium intake during training and racing
✓ A strategy you can use across different distances and conditions
✓ More confidence in your hydration and fueling plan
see what your results look like
stop guessing. know your number.
frequently asked questions
ABOUT THE TEST
What is a Sweat Sodium Test?
A Sweat Sodium Test measures the concentration of sodium in your sweat.
Your result is expressed in milligrams of sodium per litre of sweat (mg/L) and gives you an individual number you can use to help guide your hydration strategy during training and racing.
How does the test work?
A small amount of sweat is stimulated on your forearm, collected, and analyzed to determine your sweat sodium concentration.
There is no blood test, treadmill, or workout required.
Do I need to exercise during the test?
No. You can sit comfortably throughout the appointment.
The full appointment takes approximately 45 minutes.
How quickly do I get my results?
You receive your result during your appointment.
There is no need to send your sample away or wait for lab results.
YOUR RESULTS
Do I need to repeat the test?
For most athletes, no. Sweat sodium concentration is influenced largely by genetics and tends to remain relatively stable over time. For most people, one test provides a useful number that can be applied for years.
What does a result of 1,200 mg/L mean?
A result of 1,200 mg/L means your sweat contains approximately 1,200 mg of sodium per litre of sweat.
That result can then be considered alongside your sweat rate, race duration, environmental conditions, and fluid intake when building a hydration strategy.
Is sweat sodium concentration the same as sweat rate?
No. Sweat sodium concentration tells you how much sodium is contained in each litre of sweat.
Sweat rate tells you how much fluid you lose over time.
Both are useful when building a more personalized hydration strategy.
Will the test tell me exactly how much sodium to take per hour?
Not by itself. Your sodium concentration is one part of the equation. We also consider factors such as sweat rate, exercise duration, temperature, fluid intake, and your previous hydration experience.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Who benefits from sweat sodium testing?
Sweat sodium testing can be useful for runners, ultrarunners, cyclists, triathletes, and other endurance athletes.
It can be particularly useful if you:
• Train or race for several hours
• Exercise in hot conditions
• Sweat heavily
• Notice salt marks on your clothing or skin
• Struggle with your hydration strategy
• Want to better understand your individual sodium losses
Do I need to be an elite athlete?
No. Sweat sodium testing can be useful for athletes of all levels who want a better understanding of their hydration needs.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
How long does the appointment take?
Approximately 45 minutes.
This includes the test itself as well as time to discuss your result and how you can apply it to training and racing.
How much does a Sweat Sodium Test cost?
The test costs $200 CAD. This includes your sweat sodium test, your individual result, and guidance on how to apply it to your hydration strategy.
Where is testing available?
Sweat Sodium Testing is available through Peak Endurance in Victoria, BC, serving athletes throughout Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island. Testing is done at Peak Endurance HQ in Central Saanich. At home testing available for an extra fee.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
In most cases, no special preparation is required. You can train normally leading into your appointment, and we will review anything you need to know beforehand.