The VO2 Max test allows you to better understand your aerobic capacity, ideal heart rate zones for training and also gather insights into your cardiovascular health.
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VO2 Max (also maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake, peak oxygen uptake or maximal aerobic capacity) is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise (exercise of increasing intensity).
The name is derived from V - volume, O2 - oxygen, max - maximum. Maximal oxygen consumption reflects the overall cardiorespiratory fitness of an individual. It is an excellent way to assess an individual’s fitness level.
While it is true that the VO2 Max test can help determine endurance capacity during prolonged exercise, there’s a common misconception that only trained runners, cyclists and endurance athletes can benefit from the test.
The short answer is no. VO2 max is widely used as an indicator of health. In 2016, the American Heart Association published a scientific statement recommending that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), quantifiable as VO2 max, be regularly assessed and utilized as a clinical vital sign. This statement was based on mounting evidence that lower fitness levels are associated with high risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and mortality rates stemming from various types of cancers. In addition to risk assessment, the AHA recommendation cited the value measuring fitness for validating exercise prescription, physical activity counseling, and improving both patient management and patient health.
Conversely, good fitness level significantly reduces your likelihood of developing chronic illness. For both moderately active individuals and athletes, VO2max assessment is vital for training and performance.
Fill out an intake form ahead of your appointment and send it to us so that we can ensure you are able to safely complete the test.
Do not exercise for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Ensure you’re properly hydrated and nourished before the evaluation.
Do not eat a heavy meal for 2-3 hours prior to your appointment, lighter snacks are preferable.
Wear clothing and shoes you would normally exercise in.
You will be running on a treadmill or cycling on a cycle ergometer (similar to a stationary bike), depending on the location.
You will be asked to wear a mask that will connect to a metabolic cart to measure the volume of your inspired and expired air.
The test starts with a short warm-up and then increases intensity until exhaustion.
During the test, your blood pressure, heart rate and heart activity will be monitored for safety.
The test length will vary in duration, generally between 8 and 30 minutes, depending on time to exhaustion.
The full length of the appointment will vary in duration, however please take into account time to setup and cool down. We recommend blocking 1-1.5 hours.
Age Group (Women) | 18-25 | 26-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 56-65 | 66+ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent | >56 | >52 | >45 | >40 | >37 | >32 |
Good | 47-56 | 45-52 | 38-45 | 34-40 | 32-37 | 28-32 |
Above average | 42-46 | 39-44 | 34-37 | 31-33 | 28-31 | 25-27 |
Average | 38-41 | 35-38 | 31-33 | 28-30 | 25-27 | 22-24 |
Below average | 33-37 | 31-34 | 27-30 | 25-27 | 22-24 | 19-21 |
Poor | 28-32 | 26-30 | 22-26 | 20-24 | 18-21 | 17-18 |
Very poor | <28 | <26 | <22 | <20 | <18 | <17 |
Age Group (Men) | 18-25 | 26-35 | 36-45 | 46-55 | 56-65 | 66+ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent | >60 | >56 | >51 | >45 | >41 | >37 |
Good | 52-60 | 49-56 | 43-51 | 39-45 | 36-41 | 33-37 |
Above average | 47-51 | 43-48 | 39-42 | 36-38 | 32-35 | 29-32 |
Average | 42-46 | 40-42 | 35-38 | 32-35 | 30-31 | 26-28 |
Below average | 37-41 | 35-39 | 31-34 | 29-31 | 26-29 | 22-25 |
Poor | 30-36 | 30-34 | 26-30 | 25-28 | 22-25 | 20-21 |
Very poor | <30 | <30 | <26 | <25 | <22 | <20 |
We are with you every step of the way, from seamless scheduling to preparing you for what to expect on test day. There are no hidden costs. We work with our partner location and provide you with your results.
Instead of leaving your assessment with a print out you don’t understand, we take your results, analyze them & break them down into an actionable report that lives on a secure dashboard we create just for you.
Fitnescity does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical professional if you have any questions about your results.