FITNESS TEST (VO2MAX)
Image Courtesy of James Joel
V̇O₂ max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise; that is, exercise of increasing intensity.
When we think of currency we commonly think of money… we need it to survive, in times of joy engaging in desired activities and also in times of stress. Do you know someone who isn’t good with money???? Maybe they get excited when they receive a lump sum… one day they have a heap of money… the next day it’s gone…
What if they had a better understanding of how money works, and how to make it work for them… they just might be more efficient in where they invest their money to improve their lifestyle in good times and bad.
Now change money to energy - as this is our bodies currency - more specifically ATP.
We need it for:
Vital biological functions which is how much energy our body requires just to keep us alive everyday (RMR).
Physical activity & Stress is very energy intensive as the body requires more from all systems in the body
Recovery & Adaption is essential which requires energy… we often think of the repair of muscles, ligament & tendons.. However we must also consider cardiac tissue, building and repair of vascular networks and of course…. Mitochondria.
Before we understand how to apply strategies to learn how to efficiently Deliver and utilise energy, we must first understand energy and the systems involved.
Through testing we can identify the limiting factor to improving your performance, whether it’s a:
Delivery issue from the cardiovascular or respiratory system, or
Utilisation issue from the process of muscle metabolism
A metabolic test can provide you with information about how effectively your body burns calories and uses oxygen during workouts. It's a valuable tool that can help you make decisions about lifestyle habits that affect weight control, cardiovascular or respiratory health, cognition, musculoskeletal issues and overall performance in everyday activities and sport.
Testing provides a snapshot of exactly what energy production systems are operating well, and which are deficient. The information culled from this testing will shed light on the secrets of your personal physiology.
Scientific metabolic testing is the foundation of Sports Science
Image Courtesy of James Joel
From the moment you are fitted with your testing device and jump on your chosen apparatus the test will commence gathering information through your warm up, main test and also from the post exercise recovery period. From this data you will receive a summary of your results which will provide accurate heart rate training zones, workout recommendations based on your goals and days of training and finally an overview of your physiology to assist in building strategies to achieve your health goals.
However this is only the start… as part of your follow up we will go through your data in greater detail to help build strategies specific to strengthen your physiological limitations.
Why is this important?
in a word “time”…. too often we see the frustration of clients randomly attacking strategies to reach their health goals… often without the desired outcome. There are so many systems at play from our cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and musculoskeletal system just to name a few…. do you know which one your limiter is?
Once we identify your limiter it’s time to trust the process and get to work.