VO2 Max Cardio Fitness Test
A treadmill test measuring exactly how efficiently your body uses oxygen — one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular health and longevity. Train against your real number, not your watch's guess.
Why not just trust my watch?
Wearables estimate VO2 Max from heart rate patterns and algorithms. Our test measures it directly — breath by breath, using a medical-grade metabolic cart with daily calibration. Most people test lower on our equipment than their watch predicts, because a real test controls for the variables a watch can't.
Train in the right zone
Once we know your real max heart rate and anaerobic threshold, you can reprogram your heart rate monitor with zones built from your data — including true Zone 2, the pace where most endurance adaptation happens.
~50% genetic, ~50% trainable
VO2 Max is thought to be roughly half genetic and half a product of training. Testing periodically shows you exactly how much of that trainable half you're capturing.
10–20 minutes on the treadmill
- We build a protocol around your current fitness level — from a brisk walk to a full run.
- You'll wear a breathing mask and a chest-strap heart rate monitor throughout.
- Total appointment time is about 30 minutes, including setup and mask adjustment.
- Bring workout clothes and shoes — plan to get sweaty.
Prep & medical clearance
Please obtain clearance from your medical provider before a maximal-effort treadmill test, especially with any heart condition, joint issue, or relevant medication.
- Best results come fasted — avoid food for at least 3 hours prior.
- Skip caffeine and stimulants the day of your test.
- No hard workouts the day before — come in with fresh legs.
See full pre-test protocols on the Test Prep page →
Find your real numbers
VO2 Max testing is FSA/HSA eligible. Bundle it with DEXA and RMR to save $30 total.