VO2 is one factor that can determine an athlete's capacity to perform sustained exercise and is linked to aerobic endurance. VO2 refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. It is measured as "milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight." This measurement is generally considered the best indicator of an athlete's cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. Theoretically, the more oxygen you can use during high level exercise, the more ATP (energy) you can produce to be used by the muscles.

Measuring an accurate VO2 requires an all-out effort (usually on a treadmill or bicycle) performed under a strict protocol. These protocols involve specific increases in the speed and intensity of the exercise and collection and measurement exhaled air and heart rate. This determines how much oxygen the athlete is using.

VO2 results vary greatly. The average for a sedentary individual is close to 35 ml/kg/min. Elite endurance athletes often average 70 ml/kg/ min. One of the highest recorded VO2 max results (90 ml/kg/min) was that of a cross country skier. Cyclist Lance Armstrong's VO2 was reported at 85 ml/kg/min.

Our VO2 test allows us to accurately assess the point at which your body moves from AEROBIC to ANAEROBIC metabolism. This is known as "Anaerobic Threshold" (AT). Determining the AT in turn makes it possible to create heart rate training zones unique to your physiology. When you train in the proper zones, you will experience increased athletic performance, fewer injuries, and increased fat loss.

Once you have your VO2 results and Heart Rate zones, every workout has a specific purpose and there is no more "wasting time". Every training event is geared toward your goals and each workout gets you closer to what you want to achieve.

A VO2 Test takes 8-15 minutes on the treadmill. You should plan for an hour all together for the test and consultation.

Depending on the results of your test and where you are in your training, you will need to do a retest in 3-6 months, then usually 1 time per year after that.

A VO2 Test will costs $150 for the initial test and $120 for the re-testing. Book your VO2 Test today by contacting Brandi Shipman.

For a running VO2 Test you will need your running shoes and comfortable running clothes. We have changing facilities on site so you can get changed once you arrive at the shop.