VO2max is the gold standard measure of aerobic fitness. VO2max is a function of the ability of your cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to your working muscles, and the ability of your working muscles to extract that oxygen and use it for energy production during maximal exercise. VO2max testing is typically conducted in a laboratory setting with the use of a metabolic system that analyses your expired air. Field based testing versions (not using a metabolic system) have also been created to make this test more accessible to the general population. True Fitness currently use the field based method of estimating VO2max. Runners are tested on the treadmill and cyclists are tested on the WATT bike.
Estimated VO2max (aerobic fitness) for runners and cyclists
This is a maximal effort test. Once the test is completed, equations are used to estimate your VO2max. Heart rate is measured throughout the test so that at the end of the test we have your heart rate maximum which is used to design personalised training zones for you. If this test is conducted on the WATT bike as in the case of cyclists, we also have your maximum minute power from which personalised training zones can be created.
Note: This is a maximal effort test and will require recovery before normal training is resumed. The duration of the recovery phase depends on the level of conditioning of the individual. A lactate threshold test can be progressed to a maximal exercise test if lactate threshold and estimated VO2max are desired by the individual.
There are many ways to estimate VO2max or aerobic fitness. The exact test protocol is chosen on the day of testing following a consultation with the individual since it must take into consideration the individual’s level of conditioning and training experience. All versions of the test involve a 5 minute warm up followed by a number of 1-3 minute exercise stages. The intensity of each stage is increased progressively until volitional exhaustion occurs.