VOmax2
- Thread starter laura35
- Start date
acatalina
Cathlete
kellymom
Cathlete
I am by no means an expert in this, and someone else may have better, clearer information, but I understand VO2 Max (where O2 stands for oxygen) to be the maximum amount of oxygen delivered to your muscles while exercising. The higher the number, the more fit you are and the more calories you burn while exercising.
Heart Rate monitors estimate this number for you through a formula using age, weight, activity level, etc., to calculate how many calories you burn. Mine also has a "test" you can do to get a better estimate (lie down for three minutes and then activate the test, which counts a certain number of heartbeats, then gives you an estimate based on how long it took to get that many beats...confusing, I know).
The only accurate way to find out your VO2 max is a laboratory test on a treadmill, much like anareobic threshold (heart rate at which your body stops using fat for fuel). Estimates can certainly be helpful in detecting a change, though, as well as giving you a close idea of where you are. And I think it takes six weeks to effect a change.
Was that sufficiently complicated enough to confuse you more?
Kelly
Heart Rate monitors estimate this number for you through a formula using age, weight, activity level, etc., to calculate how many calories you burn. Mine also has a "test" you can do to get a better estimate (lie down for three minutes and then activate the test, which counts a certain number of heartbeats, then gives you an estimate based on how long it took to get that many beats...confusing, I know).
The only accurate way to find out your VO2 max is a laboratory test on a treadmill, much like anareobic threshold (heart rate at which your body stops using fat for fuel). Estimates can certainly be helpful in detecting a change, though, as well as giving you a close idea of where you are. And I think it takes six weeks to effect a change.
Was that sufficiently complicated enough to confuse you more?
Kelly
pink_fortitude
Banned
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/VO2max.html
Anne, there is a good link for you! I honestly get confused trying to explain it, or even think about it, but I think this sums it up pretty good.
I know that mine is improving because workouts get easier and I am able to sustain longer workouts or run faster without running out of breath. Interval training really improves your VO2max. I think it is great what you are doing on your treadmill! I would increase distance a very little at a time. If you are doing one mile now, then next week do 1.1 miles two nonconsecutive days. Then the next week you can do 1.2 miles nonconsecutive days and so on. It is important that you not train like this for more than a couple of times a week because rest and recovery are SO IMPORTANT if you want to prevent injury to your muscles, joints and heart and to promote results. If you can't go past that 1 mile, you may be at your max.
I hope that this helps.
Missy
Anne, there is a good link for you! I honestly get confused trying to explain it, or even think about it, but I think this sums it up pretty good.
I know that mine is improving because workouts get easier and I am able to sustain longer workouts or run faster without running out of breath. Interval training really improves your VO2max. I think it is great what you are doing on your treadmill! I would increase distance a very little at a time. If you are doing one mile now, then next week do 1.1 miles two nonconsecutive days. Then the next week you can do 1.2 miles nonconsecutive days and so on. It is important that you not train like this for more than a couple of times a week because rest and recovery are SO IMPORTANT if you want to prevent injury to your muscles, joints and heart and to promote results. If you can't go past that 1 mile, you may be at your max.
I hope that this helps.
Missy