Alexander Lewis 
Nov 24, 2023
VO2 means the amount of oxygen your body is capable of absorbing and utilising while engrossed in an extensively challenging physical activity, such as an intense workout, strength training, running, or swimming.
And when you add "Max" next to "VO2", it then refers to the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb.
Besides, it's measured to keep track of your fitness levels.
Here's why you should improve your VO2 Max
If you’re eagerly seeking to supplement your fitness level, you must maximise your VO2 max (AKA oxygen uptake).
The better your VO2 max will be, the more oxygen your body will be able to consume and efficiently use it to generate the maximum amount of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy.
ATP is a kind of energy your lungs produce by utilising the absorbed oxygen.
Ways to measure VO2 max
Listed below are the two primary ways to measure VO2 max:
- Lab-based method
- Submaximal exercise test
Lab-based method
This is the most prevalent type of test which is conducted by a doctor, cardiologist, or a fitness expert in a medical facility like a lab or hospital.
Submaximal exercise test
This type of test can only be conducted by a certified fitness trainer. These tests are also called “submaximal” because they are conducted at below (sub) max heart rate and below max exhaustion level.
Submaximal exercise tests are a useful method to measure your VO2 levels and your overall levels of heart and lung endurance during exercise.
The following are the tests your fitness instructor might have you do if you regularly exercise or are an athlete.
- Astrand treadmill test
- 2.4 km run test
- Multistage bleep test
The following are the tests your fitness instructor may conduct if you recently started working out or haven't exercised for some time.
- Cooper 1.5-mile walk-run test
- Rockport 1-mile walk test
- Treadmill test
Factors that affect VO2 max
- Age
- Gender
- Fitness level
- Elevation level, such as at sea level or in the mountains.
