Metabolism:

When developing a fitness program knowing your resting metabolic rate and current heart rate is important.  These numbers help guide you to more efficient exercise and insight to what type of metabolism you have.  Your resting metabolic rate is how many calories your body burns a day just to simply live; a sedentary person will obviously not have the same metabolism as an athlete.  Armed with this information you can plan a nutritional and exercise strategy.   

If your main goal is to burn fat there is a specific heart rate zone you want to stay in while exercising.  VO2 max testing finds this ”fat-burning” heart rate zone.  An experienced trainer will use a VO2 max test to tailor an exercise program. The use of VO2 max testing is excellent because everyone is at different levels of conditioning.

To achieve a high VO2 max, a person must have a fit heart and lungs and significant lean muscle mass that is well conditioned.  Working out at a peak levels will improve the strength of your cardiovascular system while working out at lower levels will burn fat more efficiently although less total calories.  Setting these levels and heart rate zones within an overall fitness plan will maximize how many calories you burn, how fit your lungs are, and how strong your heart is. 

More importantly this information allows us to fine tune your program so that your work outs become far more efficient.  If you're going to spend the time in the gym you might as well get the most out of it in the least amount of time possible.  Work out smarter not harder.

Resting metabolic rate testing only requires you to sit for about 15 minutes while attached to a machine that will monitor your breathing.  The VO2 test is done using a treadmill or bicycle, heart rate monitor, breathing equipment, and the VO2 max testing machine.  You are then hooked up to the machine and monitored during exercise.  After about 8-15 minutes your doctor will have your results.  This type of test should always be done under medical supervision and everyone should be cleared for strenuous activity by they’re physician.  It is recommended that anyone serious about they’re fitness should get VO2 max testing as part of a comprehensive examination.  Metabolic testing is vital for successful weight loss, managing disease states and gaining further insight into how efficiently your body works.  The more you know about your body the better you can plan your goals.  

To learn more about your metabolism, resting metabolic rate measurement and vo2max testing contact us today by filling out this form.  Or, if you prefer, call us now at 1-800-617-0314 for more information.

Or to learn more about the advanced testing and services we offer check out some of our other articles of interest.