Measuring Intensity Part 3 V02 Max and VDOT Formula

V02 Max

V02 Max, or maximum oxygen uptake or consumption is a measure to determine an athletes
capacity to complete sustained aerobic fitness or endurance during prolonged exercise. It
shows how well an athlete absorbs oxygen while exercising.
The name comes from V-Volume, O2 for oxygen, and Max for maximum. You can measure V02
max using a test on a treadmill so that the exercise intensity is gradually increase as you
measure the ventilation and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration of inhaled or exhaled air.
V02 max is reached when your oxygen level maintains steady even though the exercise is
greater.
This is the best test for aerobic fitness. This helps to access an individuals heart and if they
could be at risk when exercising. This test can be used as a baseline as well as a training
program.
In a laboratory you could use the treadmill. Gradually increase the speed to test the individuals
capacity over 12-15 minutes until they are exhausted and asks to stop. The person breathes
through a mouthpiece and the oxygen is analyzed as they exhale and the V02 is measured.
By knowing your V02 max you can improve your training and running ability by shaving off a
few seconds each time and running faster. So the faster you run, the better your oxygen uptake
will be. This will show you if you would be good at distance running too.