VO2 Max Test

lippy11

Hey,
My gym has a company who do VO2 max testing coming in next week and I've put my name down for it
I've never done one before so I don't know much about them, could anyone maybe give me some info on them? Is it worthwhile?
Thanks!

Fazz

Presumably it's a treadmill running test.

You get a hr strap on, put on a breathing mask that is plugged into Testing machine, then start off once hr is low enough.
Starts with a walk, picks up gradually via speed and resistance every 30/60/90 seconds or so.
Come the 15/16 mark you're sweating and it's getting faster and more uphill.

Hit the stop button/fall off to finish once you're legs say no more (usually when you know he's going to make it faster again I'd say!)

Output is a report with VO2 max, lactic threshold etc.

It gets you to know your hr threshold and what you can sustain over long periods of running. And obviously rates VO2 max.

Pretty useful for running and then trying to increase vo2 max and threshold after a few months and retest.
Also hr target zones, calorie consumption, recovery heart rate times etc all provided.

The more volume of oxygen you can use the more efficient you'll be ultimately I think.

I'm sure someone on here will know Lance Armstrongs figure...

lippy11

Thanks Fazz !
The one thing I did know was that it was a treadmill running test .
Your info has been real helpful, no harm in giving it a go I'm sure. I'll learn something from it if nothing else and maybe see some improvement when I do another one!

gerard65

The latest test is what Fazz describes but an addition is a probe is inserted into your rectum to record your core temp. Gives a much more accurate reading. You should insist on this to get your monies worth.