VO2max
$179
What is it?
VO2max is the maximum rate at which your body can consume and use oxygen during exercise. It is the gold standard measure of aerobic capacity — the ceiling of your endurance engine — and one of the most powerful predictors of both athletic performance and long-term health we have.
For athletes, it tells you the upper limit of your aerobic system and benchmarks you against the population and your sport. For anyone focused on health and longevity, it matters because a VO2max below the 20th percentile for your age and sex is independently associated with a significantly elevated risk of death from all causes — comparable in magnitude to established risk factors like smoking or heart disease.
Knowing your number is the first step to doing something about it.
How we test
We use the VO2 Master Pro for breath-by-breath gas analysis — measuring both oxygen and carbon dioxide in real time throughout the test. This is a direct measurement of your aerobic capacity, not an estimate derived from heart rate or a submaximal formula.
We use a steady-state step protocol — holding each workload level long enough for your physiology to stabilise before progressing to the next stage. This gives us a more accurate and physiologically meaningful result than ramp protocols that increase intensity continuously without allowing stabilisation.
Testing is available on the Wattbike Proton (cycling), Impulse RT700 treadmill (running), or Concept2 RowErg (rowing). Tell us your sport when you book.
What the results tell you
VO2max in mL/kg/min — your aerobic ceiling, benchmarked against population norms for your age and sex
Maximum heart rate — recorded during the test
Training zones — personalised heart rate and pace or power zones derived from your actual test data
Fat and carbohydrate oxidation — how your fuel use shifts across intensities
Results debrief — a practical explanation of what your numbers mean and how to use them
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Any endurance athlete who wants an accurate, direct measure of aerobic capacity to benchmark training and track progress. Anyone motivated by their longevity data who wants to know exactly where they sit and what to do about it. Those whose GP has flagged cardiovascular or metabolic concerns who want objective fitness data to act on.
If you want more than a VO2max number — training thresholds, fuel use, and a full metabolic model — step up to the VO2max and Lactate test or the Full Metabolic Profile.
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Allow 45–75 minutes including set-up, the test protocol, and results review.
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No exercise for 24 hours before your test
No food or caffeine for 3 hours beforehand — water is fine
Bring your shoes and tell us your pedal system when booking (cycling)
Wear comfortable exercise clothing
All prices NZD inclusive of GST.