A maximal exercise test with oxygen consumption assessment to determine cardiorespiratory fitness. This measurement is considered to be the best indicator of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. By using a mouthpiece and nose clip to capture your expired air, we directly measure volume and gas concentrations. The test involves either exercising on a treadmill or a bike at an intensity that increases every minute until exhaustion, and is designed to achieve a maximal effort in 8-12 minutes. Your heart rate, workload, and ventilatory thresholds measured during the test will help you monitor exercise intensity during your workouts and help guide your training and improve your fitness. A full report with all of your data and exercise recommendations will be provided. The Exercise Science Lab Director (Terence Moriarty - [email protected]) will email you regarding scheduling following receipt of payment or you can email and schedule in advance of payment (either works).

What are the pre-test instructions

• Eat a light meal ~4 hrs before testing.
• Do not consume caffeinated beverages or use tobacco products within 60 minutes of testing.
• Drink an adequate amount of water.
• If possible, please avoid cold/allergy remedies 12 hours before the test.
• Take prescribed medications as usual.

Frequently asked questions:

• What modality?
  • Please email to request either a bike or a treadmill.
• What should I wear?
  • Please wear a short-sleeve shirt, shorts or sweat pants, and athletic shoes.
• What will the test tell me?
  • Maximal heart rate to monitor exercise intensity during workouts.
• Baseline aerobic fitness level (VO2max, the best determinant of aerobic fitness)
  • Intensity thresholds to help you improve your fitness level.