Jason Crow, Managing Director of the Better Body Group, talks about VO2 testing and the many benefits it can offer everyone. The VO2 test, used as a key advantage to elite athletes for over 40 years is now available to you.
So why is the VO2 test such a game changer?
Simply put, the VO2 test gives you a clear view of exactly what our body is able to do, exactly what intensities to train at to get the most out of our exercise and recovery and which training intensities have been sabotaging your performance with an unparalleled level of accuracy.
How does the VO2 test work?
The VO2 test will accurately measure the amount of oxygen that you take in and the amount of carbon dioxide that you expel over a 12 minute period of gradually increasing exercise intensity.
So why is this information so essential for your training effectiveness:
Because you are measuring your actual oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output you will get information that relates exactly to what you are personally able to do rather than being based on a mathematical estimation linked to your heart rate monitor or sports watch.
Once you have completed the test you can accurately set your training zones to what is actually going on inside your body to ensure that you were training at the correct intensity for each of your training goals. You can then use this information to calibrate your heart rate monitor and sports watch to ensure its accuracy (whether this be your whoop, Garmin, polar, peloton or Apple Watch).
You will be able to see how fit you are specific to your exact sport. Determining whether you are more aerobically efficient or anaerobically capable.
You can determine your lactate threshold or the point that you begin to fatigue and then know how to improve this.
The VO2 chart will show you the exact heart rate range at which you burn the most fat compared to your carbohydrates thereby giving you the ability to not only ensure you are burning fat when you exercise but also almost triple your fat burning ability. This is also important for the athlete or gym goer as it determines exactly which point you burn the most body fat without eating into your hard earned muscle mass.
Armed with your VO2 information you can now put a heart rate monitor on when you are training or competing, and compare your heart rate information back to your VO2 chart. This will allow you to accurately establish how effective you are when performing your sport and exactly where you need to adjust for peak performance.
These are just a few of the advantages that taking the VO2 test provides. What you take from the test very often comes down to what you are looking to achieve, whether it be improved sports performance, enhanced recovery, effective fat loss or as one of the most trusted indicators of longevity.
So, who can take the test?
Our youngest participant has been 12 and our oldest has been 80 years old. Our performance treadmill also caters for wheelchairs and partially sited.
Do you have to be fit to do the test?
No, because our test measures you in real time rather than an estimate you can do as little or as much as you feel able.
Does someone help me relate the test information to what I am looking to achieve?
You will get a full report after your test and you also have the opportunity to book with one of our physiologists or sports specialists to map out the most effective route forward.
How do I book or find out more?
For more information and the book a VO2 test simply email us at enquiries@betterbodygroup.co.uk.
And finally…
As sports scientist involved in the fitness industry and working with universities for over 35 years, being able to offer real time VO2 testing is an exciting development and has truly taken what our clients can achieve to another level. For those of you who would like to know more, I am happy to answer any of your questions. Kind regards, Jason.
Jason Crow is the Managing Director of the Better Body Group. For more information or any questions, please call their friendly and expert team on 01732 451979 or email them at info@betterbodygroup.co.uk.
