Maximal and Sub-Maximal VO₂ Analysis (Cardiovascular Fitness Level)

Knowledge is Power! Measuring respiratory gases during exercise provides you the knowledge to maximize athletic performance and weight loss. 

Testing respiratory gases during exercise can provide the following information:

• Maximal VO₂ consumed (Cardiovascular fitness level)

• Determining proper exercise training zones

• Identify calories burned at different exercise intensities

• Identify fat and carbohydrates burned at various exercise intensities

• Pinpoint anaerobic threshold & aerobic threshold

• Measuring exercise progress

• Determining exercise program effectiveness

This knowledge can be used to create the perfect fitness program.  

View Example Reports: Report 1, Report 2

Example Cardio Plan

Maximal VO₂ is the rate of oxygen uptake, or consumption, measured during exercise. The maximum rate of oxygen uptake is called the VO₂max or maximum VO₂. VO₂max is the ultimate measure of fitness and is reported in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute or ml/Kg/min. To achieve a high VO₂max, a person must have a fit heart and lungs and significant lean muscle mass that is well conditioned.  VO₂ has also been shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Exercise intensity should be objective......not subjective! Measuring calories, fat, and carbohydrates burned at different exercise heart rates will help to identify what exercise intensities you should be performing at to maximize fat loss and athletic performance. 

No more guessing or wondering rather or not you are working out hard enough!

Anaerobic threshold, also known as lactic acid threshold and ventilatory threshold, is the level of exercise intensity beyond which the body can no longer provide adequate oxygen to the muscles and lactic acid begins to accumulate.  For athletes understanding the anaerobic threshold can help to maximize athletic and competition performance. Exercise above the anaerobic threshold will improve cardiovascular fitness, but will also cause discomfort, fatigue, and muscle soreness.

This information, along with a heart rate monitor, or a heart rate equipped bike or treadmill, can be used to calculate the precise amount of calories, fat, and carbohydrates burned during a workout.

Taking The Test

Measuring respiratory gases during exercise can be performed on any type of exercise equipment, and is recommended that the individual be tested on the desired equipment that they will predominantly be utilizing during their exercise regimen. 

During the testing procedure individuals wear a respiratory mask over their nose and mouth that is connected, with a hose, to the metabolic unit.  This is to allow measurement of expiratory gases from the lungs. Individuals are then guided through a exercise bout where the intensity is gradually increased until maximal fatigue is reached.  Depending on the fitness level of the individual, tests can range from 10-25 minutes. 

Following the test, clients will receive a printed copy of their results.  We will discuss and explain how to utilize the test results to maximize the clients progress with their current exercise program.  We can also prescribe cardiovascular exercise plans based on the clients goals and test results.  Cardio plans can be designed for competitive endurance athletes or for someone who wants to maximize weight loss.  All programs come with a cardio computer that is programmed with your personal exercise program as well as a printed copy. 

Price  $55