What is VO2max?

VO₂max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. The “V” stands for volume, and “O₂” is oxygen. It’s measured in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min).

The higher your VO₂max, the greater your aerobic fitness and endurance potential. It's not only a strong performance indicator — it’s increasingly used as a marker of overall health and longevity.

Oxygen is drawn into the lungs, transferred to the bloodstream, and delivered throughout the body with every heartbeat. It fuels the conversion of carbohydrates and fats into energy. In short: the more oxygen you can use, the more energy you can generate to power your movement.

Who Is VO₂max Testing For?

Everyone.


While VO₂max is commonly associated with endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists, it's relevant for anyone engaging in physical activity — or anyone simply curious about their health and performance potential.

Why Does VO₂max Matter?

A higher VO₂max means your body is better at producing energy aerobically — using oxygen — which is more efficient and produces fewer waste products like lactic acid. This means:

  • You can exercise for longer with less discomfort

  • You recover faster between efforts

  • Your cardiovascular system is stronger and healthier

  • You gain a clearer picture of your metabolic health

Why measure it?

Measuring your VO₂max gives a snapshot of your current fitness, but the real value lies in what we do with that information.

Using VO₂max data, we can define your individualised heart rate training zones — precise ranges that help target specific outcomes:

  • Zone 2: improves fat-burning and aerobic endurance

  • Zone 3–4: builds cardiovascular strength and stamina

  • Zone 5: pushes performance limits with high-intensity intervals

Without accurate zones, training can miss the mark — either too easy to stimulate progress, or too intense to recover from effectively. VO₂max testing removes the guesswork.

What’s involved in the test?

We use a graded exercise test (GXT) protocol, performed on either a treadmill or stationary bike. It typically takes 15–20 minutes and involves:

  • A warm-up period

  • Gradually increasing intensity levels

  • Real-time monitoring of your breathing and heart rate

  • A mask device to measure oxygen in vs carbon dioxide out

  • Heart rate monitoring to assess response

You’ll be supervised throughout, and the test ends when we reach your maximum sustainable effort.

What You’ll Receive

Immediate feedback on your VO₂max score

  • A detailed breakdown of your heart rate training zones

  • A full report including graphs and personalised insights

  • Guidance on how to apply this information to your training