What Is VO2 Max?

Answer:

Also known as maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity, VO2 Max is one factor that can determine an athlete's capacity to perform sustained exercise and is linked to aerobic endurance. VO2 Max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. It is measured as "milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight."

In a clinical setting, VO2 Max is determined by directly via gas analysis. This VO2 test wires the athlete or subject to a computer and has them breath directly into an apparatus that analyzes exhaled air while the subject runs on a treadmill. Heart rate is also monitored via an EKG.

The more oxygen you can process, the faster you'll go — which is why many athletes seek out the VO2 Max test available at universities and labs around the country for around $100 to $150.

While this is the most accurate test of VO2 Max, it is also fairly expensive and not practical for most people.