The Gold Standard in cardiorespiratory fitness testing, VO2 Max determines the amount of oxygen a person utilizes during exercise.
Using this value and your heart rate, precise caloric expenditures and fat burning zones can be determined for different training intensity levels. This information can be used to train for an endurance event or learning how to burn more fat without damaging your muscle.
OF FAT YOU BURN
VO2 Testing will pinpoint your aerobic and anaerobic thresholds which will reveal the exercise level that will optimize your ability to burn fat. The term “aerobic exercise” has been commonly used in relation to burning fat. But without VO2 Testing, fitness professionals have had to rely on crude estimates to determine what level of exercise intensity would be “aerobic” or fat burning.
Now, with VO2 Testing readily available, you will know where to keep your heart rate at to truly maximize the amount of fat you burn. The analysis will also show when your body transitions from burning fats to burning carbohydrates.
Frequently we push ourselves thinking, “no pain, no gain.” The truth is, pushing beyond one’s optimal zone leads to fatigue and discomfort. It will also cause increased soreness after the workout and may contribute to exercise related injury. When you know your zones and use them for training, cardiovascular exercise is comfortable and effective. Even a beginner can go the distance.