Health Matters

What is a Vo2 test

A Vo2 test is the single most effective way to measure your cardio vascular fitness and maximise your training. Health Matters will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your unique fitness profile.

How is it done

USING A TREADMILL. You will be hooked up to our machinery with a mask and heart rate monitor. We will increase the speed or incline every minute so there is a constant rise in heart rate and oxygen consumption and for the duration of the test we will monitor your body`s unique performance.

USING A BIKE. Using your own bike ( which has to be a 10 speed ) you will be connected to our Le Monde turbo trainer and you will behooked up to our machinery with a mask and heart rate monitor. You will be required to reach and maintain certain power outputs and cadence for the duration of the test while your unique performance is monitored

How long does it last

Depending on fitness level time may vary but the longest the actual Vo2 test can last is 24 minutes. We allow 45 mins for the run test and 50 mins for the bike test

What will I get from it

Everybody that does the test will receive a seven page printout of their unique fitness profile and the information you need to take your training and performance to the next level. As part of the report you will be given a Vo2 score, we will identify your aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, recovery times, calorie expenditure at various different heart rates, breathing patterns and how efficiently your heart and lungs are preforming.

If using a bike we will also be able to measure and pinpoint your power outputs and RPM to coincide with all of the data from the your Vo2 test

How will it help me?

After we have identified your personal intensity zones you will now be able to maximise every minute of every training session. Health Matters will talk to you about the best training methods to improve your performance and advise on the best zones to run/cycle at in order to achieve your personal best. We will discuss in detail your unique ability, strengths, weaknesses and how to become an all round better athlete

Where is it done?

Health Matters will come to your club as all our equipment is portable, provided a treadmill that can reach 18-20 kmh and incline up to 7 % is available. Alternatively Health Matters has a number of gyms around Dublin were we can carry out the tests and you will have full access to changing and shower facilities .

2 hrs prior to testing no food, tea, coffee or any other stimulants can be consumed and no exercise on the day and if you are to train the day before take it easy. Water can be consumed.