REVEALED: Is Getting a LAB VO2max Test Worth It?

[@shayhalpenny8826]

I so enjoy your video content and this one even more than usual. I have had my VO2 measured in 3 different locations but at intervals of 3 or 4 years! Here a few of my experience: 1. I love science and I am lucky enough to be able to afford to pay for it. 2. All 3 of my tests were done here in Ireland but in 3 different locations with different protocols. 2 of them used nose clips and a mouth piece, only one had a mask similar to Ntutu;s and for anyone (like me) that has worked at becoming a nasal breather that is something to check out in advance. 3. I did not do a VO2 max test. I did a VO2 test and they extrapolated the max point because as I was told by one of the testers 'we only do this for athletes and never for someone your age'. Another test facility, UCD's sports lab, simply won't test anyone over 50 for insurance purposes. 4. All 3 tests combined lactate threshold with the VO2 testing. Which involves a finger prick blood test. The big question is the same as your question, Is Getting a LAB VO2max Test Worth It? Well my answer is very similar to yours. Yes, if you can afford it but having the lactate threshold was the most useful bit to me. I got that is two forms, the first pace and the second heart rate. They do shift but I did used it to do my easy runs and I have to say it worked for me. Thanks guys!

[@perro0076]

That insurance reason is just an excuse. I'm 63 and chasing 40km/hrs on the bike. Which is all i need to compete. I can maintain 36km/hrs for 30 minutes, so chipping away (I've 'taken part' enough times). I can feel I'm on the diminishing returns end of the curve, but with good nutrition and patience, progress is being made. After that it's 15km/hrs running then treat myself to one of those Vasa swim ergometer!!! Like the song goes 'don't let the b*#@s get you down'

[@LVDell]

Do you plan to discuss the results and how to apply them to training? Zones creation? etc? Keep up the great work!

[@perro0076]

Good question!! 👍

[@perro0076]

18km/hrs?!?! He-he. That's my HIIT speed. I can only do 5-odd sprints that I can only hold for 25 secs or so. It does seem to increase over time though. One day when I grow up I'll be able to maintain 15km/hrs for 20 minutes. For a sprint tri. I did that VO2 Max test a few years ago, it just confirmed something I already knew. I was crap. Now I just focus on that clock and a training regime I can sustain for longer than 2 weeks. If I push too hard, then I have to give myself too many rest days. Easier said than done. Even if I have a couple of bad nights sleep, it can throw you out of kilter.

[@88thdimension]

I did my 'at home' lactate threshold test as you previously recommended and updated my zones from there. Interestingly my max heart rate (based on sprinting until "ready to bleed from the eyes", as the guy stated) is just a couple of beats off formula 220-age.

[@innovativefitnessproducts-t7y]

this is b.s. in my opinion since it is skewed towards runners and not other types of endurance athletes. also, there is no warm up done here. this is absurd.