VO2 Max testing – coming February 2025
What is the difference between max and sub-maximal testing?
When doing a maximal VO2 test, you progressively exercise harder and harder until you reach the highest intensity you can handle. This usually takes between 7 and 12 minutes.
A sub-maximal VO2 test is performed the same way as a maximal test but you will be exercising at a lower intensity throughout. This test also lasts for 7 to 12 minutes and provides you with your VO2 max.
What are the benefits of knowing your resting metabolic rate?
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Help you know how many calories to eat to achieve your weight goals
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Make it easier to plan healthy meals and snacks
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Better understand why you are losing, gaining or maintaining weight
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More accurately plan nutrition and dietary plans
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Know what fuel sources you burn at rest (carbohydrates, fats, protein)
Do non-athletes need to know their VO2 max?
Everyone should know their VO2 max, whether an athlete or not. VO2 max helps you understand your overall fitness level and the health of your heart and lungs. It helps you set realistic fitness goals and can alert you of potential health issues early on.
Personalized health information like VO2 max can motivate you to adopt a healthier lifestyle by providing a clear fitness baseline and showing improvements over time. Additionally, having a good VO2 max is linked to increased longevity and a longer health span, meaning you can live a healthier life for longer.
Yes. With regular aerobic exercise, you can increase your VO2 max, at any age. This is why everyone should know their VO2 max, because of the ability to change it and the immense benefits associated with doing so at any age.
The Mentor Clinic takes a proactive approach to your health and medicine and establish a new standard of care for Nova Scotians. We're proud to soon offer in-house VO2 and Resting Metabolic Rate testing using COSMED's laboratory-grade Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing equipment. These services will be available to Mentor Clinic Patients and the general public.
What can I expect when I have my VO2 max tested?
Want to learn more?
Why VO2 max is the greatest predictor of lifespan, Dr. Peter Attia
Resting Metabolic Rate
Resting Metabolic Rate tests measure the number of calories your body needs to perform basic functions like breathing, circulating blood, and maintaining body temperature while at rest. It provides a personalized understanding of your metabolism, helping you to plan effective nutrition and weight management strategies.
RMR testing is valuable for anyone looking to optimize their diet, manage weight, or improve overall health by tailoring their caloric intake to their unique metabolic rate.
VO2 Max and Sub-Maximal
VO2 Max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. It reflects how well your heart and lungs work together to take oxygen from the air, move it into the bloodstream and pump it to the muscles throughout the body.
This is called cardio-respiratory fitness. A higher VO2 Max indicates better aerobic fitness, meaning your heart, lungs, and muscles can work efficiently for longer periods. Higher cardio-respiratory fitness has been associated with increased longevity, a lower risk of death from all causes and reductions in coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, cancer. (Mandsager et al., 2018)
