What is Sub max VO2?

The true definition of submax VO2 would be oxygen uptake at a given intensity that is below VO2max and would represent your economy.

As advertised here though, I think they are referring to a submaximal cycle ergometry test used to estimate VO2max.

OK, I am lost. What does that mean? Can you use small words, I am from Alabama :-)

max wrote:

OK, I am lost. What does that mean? Can you use small words, I am from Alabama :-)

THEN HERE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN UNDERSTAND QUITE CLEARLY: GO BANG YOUR SISTER!

Having been a graduate student and having had an assistantship in a college fitness center, this is pretty standard and a good deal.

More than likely they will do a Submax assessment based on cycle ergometry and then extrapolate out to VO2max. That would not be of a lot of use for a runner.

However, you might want to call over to see if they can do a true VO2max for a fee or call over to see if any of the students need subjects for a study and barter out a VO2max and LT test in exchange for your services as a subject. Some studies use VO2max anyway so they might be doing that regardless.

Where I went to school we would do VO2max on students for a fee (50 or 75 dollars for students).

'Bama translation:

They strap you to a bike and measure your heart rate at various workloads. They then assume your max heart rate by the 220-age formula. Since Vo2max is supposed to increase at the same rate as heart rate they can draw a line from your sub max heart rate to your max heart rate and determine the workload at your assumed max heart rate. It's accurate for the general population, but only generally..;) It's not meant to be precise.

Most schools will do a true Vo2max test for a fee. It is kind of a learned experience though. They strap you to a treadmill with a tube running from your mouth to a machine and clip on your nose (yes you have to breath with your mouth, which takes some getting used to). This way they can directly measure the gases (Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide) coming in and out of your mouth and thus directly measure your Vo2max (volume of OXYGEN use by your muscles).

Have Fun!

Alan

As a runner, it would be better to simply go run an all-out 3k or 3200m on the track and look up the results in a good book like the one Dr. Daniels wrote. Performance on a track is one heck of a lot more predictive of future performance than results from a labaratory test unless the test is very specific. Sub-max tests are only good for determining submax economy (the cost of oxygen at a give velocity-workload). Biking results are not predictive or running results, by the way. Save your money for a good pair of shoes.