VO2Based Fitness Testing ($75)
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.
This test gives a good picture of overall fitness level and performance potential. Furthermore, from this test we can provide heart rates and power values that correlate to the athlete's ventilatory threshold (a good estimate of lactate threshold). From this value, we can establish training zones and intensities for the athlete.
To achieve a high VO2max, a person must have a fit heart and lungs and significant lean muscle mass that is well conditioned.
The table below shows how fitness is assessed based on VO2max.
Peak VO2 Scores (Values in mlO2/kg/min)
MALE
Age |
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
Superior |
13-19 |
0-34.9 |
35.0-38.3 |
38.4-45.1 |
45.2-50.9 |
51.0-55.9 |
56.0+ |
20-29 |
0-32.9 |
33.0-36.4 |
36.5-42.4 |
42.5-46.4 |
46.5-52.4 |
52.5+ |
30-39 |
0-31.4 |
31.5-35.4 |
35.5-40.9 |
41.0-44.9 |
45.0-49.4 |
49.5+ |
40-49 |
0-30.2 |
30.2-33.5 |
33.6-38.9 |
39.0-43.7 |
43.8-48.0 |
48.1+ |
50-59 |
0-26.0 |
26.1-30.9 |
31.0-35.7 |
35.8-40.9 |
41.0-45.3 |
45.4+ |
60+ |
0-20.4 |
20.5-26.0 |
26.1-32.2 |
32.3-36.4 |
36.5-44.2 |
44.3+ |
FEMALE
Age |
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
Superior |
13-19 |
0-24.9 |
25.0-30.9 |
31.0-34.9 |
35.0-38.9 |
39.0-41.9 |
42.0+ |
20-29 |
0-23.5 |
23.6-28.9 |
29.0-32.9 |
33.0-36.9 |
37.0-41.0 |
41.1+ |
30-39 |
0-22.7 |
22.8-26.9 |
27.0-31.4 |
31.5-35.6 |
35.7-40.0 |
40.1+ |
40-49 |
0-20.9 |
21.0-24.4 |
24.5-28.9 |
29.0-32.8 |
32.9-36.9 |
37.0+ |
50-59 |
0-20.1 |
20.2-22.7 |
22.8-26.9 |
27.0-31.4 |
31.5-35.7 |
35.8+ |
60+ |
0-17.4 |
17.5-20.1 |
20.2-24.4 |
24.5-30.2 |
30.3-31.4 |
31.5+ |
VO2 max tables - Data from Cooper, K. The Aerobics Way. New York, Bantam Books, Inc. 1982.
A VO2 test will also show the anaerobic threshold. The anaerobic threshold is the level of exercise intensity beyond which the body can no longer provide adequate oxygen to the muscles. Exercise below the anaerobic threshold should be comfortable even though the exercise extends for long periods. Exercise above the anaerobic threshold will improve cardiovascular fitness, but will also cause discomfort, fatigue, and muscle soreness.
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