Fitness tests..anyone got knowledge?

[Loveatthefiveanddime]

Hi, it hit me that a motivating factor for me would be to see improvements in my fitness in a quantifiable way. So I thought that getting a good 'before image' of my cardiovascular performance would be a good idea. I could then have a goal to aim towards and get re-measured after an appropriate amount of time.

Does anyone have any knowledge or thoughts about this? I have found a VO2 Max test nearby for £85. There is also a lactate profile test which is more expensive and I wonder if it is necessary.

What about just doing something like a bleep test? Or see how quickly you can run a mile and how many sit ups/press ups you can do in a minute? That’s still quantifiable data that you can compare periodically. And it’s free.

Do you go to a gym? The treadmills at ours have a fitness test on them (essentially a VO2 max estimator) that you can use whenever you want to check progress.

Alternatively, something like the Myzone heart rate monitor includes a fitness test in its accompanying app which, again, you can test as often as you like. For the initial outlay for something like the Myzone you'd be quids in after the second VO2 max test you refer to. The one you are thinking of is likely more accurate, but an expensive way to go for long term monitoring.

My running watch (Garmin Forerunner235) has a vo2 max measure as well as an ‘effort’ measure. You can see both on the app over time so can check whenever you like for free.

Me & DH have each had 2 free VO2max tests in last 13 yrs or so. For a published article, scientific research at a university (I was a healthy control subject) & DH got one at a cycling trade show. Do you want it for running or cycling?

The lactate profile test is supposed to be hard core, if it's what I think it is, they prick your finger for blood test every few minutes (grim) while working very hard. I know someone glad he got it (paid for it), lots of data, he takes his running very seriously, but only amateur.

There are some home versions of fitness tests that are thought to estimate Vo2max almost as well as the proper test does. How do you hope to make the info useful to yourself?

Do you know your recovery heart rate? That's one to do yourself.