VO2 Max

sy

High just thought I would fill you in on a fitness test I had recently and apologies to those in the know.
Fitness can be measured by the volume of oxygen you can consume while exercising at your maximum capacity. VO2max is the maximum amount of oxygen in millilitres, one can use in one minute per kilogram of body weight. (needless to say losing that excess fat will increase your reading pretty quickly) Those who are fit have higher VO2max values and can exercise more intensely than those who are not as well conditioned.
Genetics play a major role of course but training can help increase your value.
The physical limitations that restrict the rate at which energy can be released aerobically are dependent upon:

• the chemical ability of the muscular cellular tissue system to use oxygen in breaking down fuels
• the combined ability of cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to transport the oxygen to the muscular tissue system

There are various physiological factors that combine to determine VO2max for which there are two theories: Utilization Theory and Presentation Theory.
Utilization theory maintains that VO2max is determined by the body's ability to utilize the available oxygen whereas Presentation Theory maintains it is the ability of the body's cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to active tissues.
A study by Saltin B, Rowell LB. concluded that it is the deliver of oxygen to active tissues that is the major limiting factor to VO2max. A study by Gollnick PD et al. showed a weak relationship between the body's ability to utilize the available oxygen and VO2max.
Some scientists believe it is a number of factors, adaptation of muscles, metabolism etc that determine your overall level of fitness but V02 max obviously is the greatest limiting factor.
Women tend to have a V02 score 15 to 30% less than men due to their lower muscle mass. Table for average readings
I had my V02 max measured last Thursday by Chris Simpson of the Leinster Sports Clinic. Chris is a keen cyclist and tri-athlete, who has done a few Etapes etc. His clinic is based in Portlaoise but a number of people had organized to have the test done so he travelled with his equipment. The test takes 2 hours and covers 3 main areas, RMR (resting metabolic rate) test, body composition analysis and VO2 Max test.which also measured my Lactate Threshold level. He is a mine of information and a gentleman, and gave me some great advice on training etc. I need to drink more!! (water, before you say anything Tiny!) and lose some more body fat(who doesn't) but was quite chuffed with my results (probably why I’m posting this!!). Anyway, for those of you interested in fine tuning your training etc I can highly recommend Chris. Sorry for the long intro.
For those interested in VO2max comparisons for the non average athlete:)
92.5 ml/kg/min Greg LeMond
88.0 ml/kg/min Miguel Indurain
84.0 ml/kg/min Lance Armstrong
The world records are held by Cross Country Skier Espen Harald Bjerke with a 96 !!! and 73.5 for Greta Waitz (Female Marathon runner)

tunney

Is this just a sales pitch for this testing lab?

What was your vo2?

kennyb3

and how much does all this cost?

snack_ie

Fantastic.
After all that you dont even tell us your's.
What is your's?

Lumen

Hmmm.

sy

Lumen wrote: »

Hmmm.

Sorry guys. I forgot to say it was 62.5 and I am 50 years young! and no its not a sales pitch as I have no connection with the guy or the lab. I post here so thought some of you might be interested. No expert on body physiology so thought i might save some of you looking it up.:o It cost €130

Home:Ballyhoura

sy wrote: »

I need to drink more!! (water

Do you mean drink more water in general throughout the day or just drink more when exercising on the bike?

sy

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Do you mean drink more water in general throughout the day or just drink more when exercising on the bike?

On the bike. I've been riding a long time now but still forget to drink at times! Hadn't realised that 2% drop in hydration levels can mean big drop in performance. We you feel thirsty its too late.

PS Home:Ballyhoura, you seem an impressive and enthusiastic young rider, I've been reading your posts and will be keeping an eye on you;) best of luck. Its a great sport