VO₂ Max Graded Exercise Test

What is a VO2 Max Graded Exercise Test?

A VO₂ Max test measures how efficiently your body uses oxygen while walking or running on a treadmill.

VO₂ stands for Volume of Oxygen, and it represents the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume during exercise — a strong indicator of aerobic fitness and cardiorespiratory health.

At Achieve, we perform sub-maximal graded exercise testing using indirect calorimetry and our Cardio Coach gas analysis system. This measures oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), heart rate, and calories burned to determine how efficiently your body utilizes oxygen.

In simpler terms: the higher your VO₂ Max, the fitter you are!

Why have a VO2 Graded Exercise Test done?

Understanding your VO₂ Max can help you:

Determine how healthy your heart and lungs are.
Learn how fit you are for your age.
Optimize your training by identifying your threshold levels.
Ensure your current workouts are effective for improving endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Provide exercise physiologists, trainers, or healthcare providers with data to create an individualized fitness or performance plan.

What to Expect During Testing

Your heart rate and blood pressure will be taken before, during, and after the test.
You’ll wear a VO₂ mask and heart rate monitor throughout.
Exercise intensity increases gradually (speed and incline).
You’ll communicate exertion levels by pointing to an RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) scale from 0–10.
The test stops when you reach your maximum effort or choose to stop.
Results are reviewed and explained by our exercise physiologist.

How long does testing take?

Please plan for about 45 minutes total, which includes:

Warm-up and setup
Exercise testing (typically 20–25 minutes)
Post-test analysis and explanation

Note: We recommend blocking up to 90 minutes of your schedule to allow adequate time for the appointment and preparation.

Before Your Appointment

To prepare for accurate results:

Hydrate well in the 12 hours before testing.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, or supplements for 12–24 hours prior.
Eat a light snack 1.5 hours before an AM test or a normal breakfast/lunch 3 hours before a PM test.
Wear athletic clothing and supportive shoes.
Avoid testing if you’ve been ill in the past week.
Complete all paperwork prior to your appointment.
A $75 fee applies for cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled test.