VO2 Max Testing FAQs
The test typically takes between 8 to 15 minutes.
There is no fixed endpoint—the goal is to reach your physiological maximum. You decide when to stop. We encourage participants to push themselves as far as they can, as this helps us gather more meaningful data.
The breakdown of the 1-hour session is as follows:
- 15 mins explaining the testing procedures
- 6-15 min test
- 30 mins going over your results
You'll wear a fitted face mask that covers your nose and mouth. This mask is connected to a system that analyzes the oxygen you inhale and the carbon dioxide you exhale, helping us measure how efficiently your body uses oxygen.
You’ll also wear a chest strap heart rate monitor, which tracks your heart rate continuously throughout the test.
The test begins at a low intensity and increases every 2 minutes, either by raising the speed or resistance/incline. You'll continue until you reach your maximum effort, which provides us with accurate insights into your aerobic fitness and endurance.
No! We offer a few different protocols depending on your fitness level, preferences, and physical needs:
Treadmill (Run): This is our standard protocol and provides the most accurate data for most people. You’ll start by walking on a slight incline. Every two minutes, both the speed and incline will increase. The fastest pace you’ll reach is a light jog.
Treadmill (Walk): A suitable option for those who may not be comfortable running. You’ll also start walking on a small incline, with both speed and incline increasing every two minutes. Once you reach a fast walking pace, only the incline will continue to increase.
Bike: Best suited for individuals who cycle regularly. You’ll maintain a set RPM (cadence), while we gradually increase the resistance (Wattage) every two minutes.
We’ll help determine the most appropriate protocol for you. However, we typically encourage participants to choose the treadmill run protocol, as it yields the highest quality data—unless cycling is your primary mode of training.
We don’t use lactate testing, which requires finger or earlobe pricks to collect blood samples during exercise.
Instead, we measure ventilatory threshold, a non-invasive surrogate for lactate threshold. This is the point during exercise when your breathing rate increases disproportionately to your oxygen intake. It indicates a shift from primarily aerobic energy production (using oxygen) to more anaerobic energy production (less oxygen, more lactate).
Do not eat at least 2 hours before your appointment.
Wear athletics clothing and footwear that you are comfortable exercising in.