VO2 Max Testing in Calgary. Train in zones that are yours.
Stop guessing your heart-rate zones from your age or a watch estimate. We measure your aerobic capacity directly, then a kinesiologist turns the results into an exercise prescription you can follow.
What is a VO₂ Max test
VO₂ Max testing provides a big picture view of your current fitness and potential, including personalized heart rate zones, fitness level, and recovery data, fitness level, and recovery data.
Your aerobic capacity
A direct measure of your VO2 max, so you know where your fitness really stands.
Your training zones
Heart-rate zones built from your own data, not an age formula or a watch estimate.
Metabolic data during exercise
How your body responds as intensity rises, interpreted for you by a kinesiologist.
Built for anyone who wants their training to count.
Runners & endurance athletes
Pace long runs and intervals by your own zones.
Cyclists & triathletes
Structure your training block around real data.
Getting back into fitness
Start at the right intensity, and see it improve.
Data-minded professionals
A clear baseline for long-term health and fitness.
Why get a VO2 Max test in Calgary?
Heart Rate Zones
CardioCoach® uses Anaerobic Threshold and VO2 Max results to define workouts zones unique to each client in Calgary.
Improve fitness
High VO2 Max levels have been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Fat Burn vs. Carb Burn
Get your substrate utilization: the ratio of fats versus carbohydrates burned throughout each heart rate level during testing. This is especially helpful for weight loss or refuelling in Calgary.
“Beyond nutrition coaching, they also offer VO₂ max testing and other health assessments, making them a great resource whether you're looking to improve your overall health, athletic performance, or simply learn more about your body."
— Cynthia
What to expect.
48 hours prior to the test:
Refrain from engaging in new or strenuous exercise. Light training or rest are preferable.
Avoid alcohol or tobacco products.
Unless medically necessary, avoid beta-blockers, steroids & cold medications, as that may impact your aerobic performance.
On the day of the test:
Do not consume caffeine for at least four hours before the test.
Refrain from consuming any food or drink within two hours of the test.
Ensure that you drink sufficient fluids leading up to the test but refrain from drinking any fluids for one hour prior to the test.
Wear comfortable athletic shoes and workout clothes to the test.
FAQs
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A VO₂ max test in Calgary measures the most oxygen your body can use during exercise. It's one of the clearest measures of aerobic fitness and is closely linked to long-term health and longevity. At our Calgary clinic, we test on a clinical-grade mixing chamber metabolic system, which is considered the gold standard for VO₂ max testing.
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Plan for a 90-minute appointment in Calgary. The exercise portion only takes about 8 to 12 minutes. The rest of the visit covers mask fitting, setting up the heart rate strap, and going through your results.
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We fit you with a mask and a heart rate strap. Then you exercise while the intensity rises gradually until your anaerobic threshold is detected. Throughout the test, the system measures the air you breathe in and out to calculate your VO₂ max, your thresholds, and how much fat versus carbohydrate you burn at each intensity.
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For 48 hours before your test, avoid new or strenuous exercise, alcohol and tobacco. Unless they're medically necessary, also avoid beta-blockers, steroids and cold medications. On the day of the test, skip caffeine for 4 hours, skip food or caloric drinks for 2 hours, and stop drinking fluids 1 hour before. Wear athletic shoes and workout clothes. If an illness has affected your exercise capacity in the past two weeks, contact us before your test.