VO2 Testing is the hottest trend in fitness technology. Affordable test equipment has made it possible for any facility to offer Metabolic Rate testing, and VO2 Max Testing. But with the different kinds of equipment on the market, how do you know what is right for your facility?
To start, let’s define the kind of testing we are talking about. A VO2 fitness assessment is done routinely in professional training facilities. Clients exercise on a treadmill or bike while wearing a mask that directs the gas they breathe into a machine to be analyzed. The machine measures the client’s “VO2” which stands for “Volume of Oxygen” and it is the rate at which the client is consuming oxygen. As the test progresses, workload is steadily increased, thus increasing the client’s heart rate and oxygen consumption. The device detects the client’s aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, and peak VO2.
Using the Results
The measurement of aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, and peak VO2 show how a person’s cardiovascular system responds to exercise. This information can be used to pinpoint the individual’s target heart rate for various workout zones, such as fat burning, endurance training, or cardio strengthening. These workout zones are highly individual and much more precise than any charts or estimations.
Who would get tested?
Testing would be beneficial to a wide range of individuals from the deconditioned to the high performance athletes. De-conditioned athletes benefit by working out in their own, personal “sweet spot” where they can maximize their results while minimizing pain, discomfort, or fatigue. This leads to greater compliance to a fitness program. High performance athletes are thrilled to have access to the same training tools used by professionals. Their competitive nature drives them to test and retest as they strive to beat their best and give themselves that “edge.”
Evaluating Basic VO2 Systems
Traditionally, the cost for equipment to test VO2 Max has been upwards of $40,000. But recent advances in technology have resulted in much lower prices: around $5,000. When shopping for equipment, be sure to inquire diligently about the recurring costs. Some equipment providers may have a very high cost per test. Others require little or no recurring costs.
Evaluate the machine for ease of use. A device with a simple user-interface and easy-to-understand results is more likely to get used by your staff. For all equipment, a protocol must be followed to correctly administer a graded exercise test – gradually increasing the client’s workload and identifying when a maximum effort has been reached. The better machines will then calculate the workout zones, determine fitness level, and report calories burned during exercise. Look at the printed results: will the results be easy for your trainers to explain to the client? This is an important factor when choosing a system.
Upgrading with RMR and CO2
For an additional $1,000, some devices offer the option of doing Resting Metabolic Rate tests. This test requires that the client breath into the machine while in a completely resting state. It will measure BMR – how many calories they are burning at rest – and determine the needed caloric intake to lose or maintain weight. This option may be worthwhile for facilities that cater to women or that promote a weight-loss program.
High-end VO2 testing equipment measures both oxygen consumption and CO2 consumption. Also available with the higher-end product is PC software that allows you to see various graphs of the data. This equipment is best utilized by the professional who has been trained in the use of all this extra data. The price tag? It’s around $10,000.
How can your facility justify the investment?
In addition to the improved services you will be offering, VO2 testing can be a source of revenue. When was the last time you purchased a piece of equipment that actually paid for itself? Club owners can charge for VO2 testing and create a source of revenue. Clubs report that clients are willing to pay anywhere from $60 to $120 per test. And clients repeat the testing every four to six weeks to track their progress, so the income is ongoing. VO2 testing can generate as much as $300,000 a year by performing just ten tests a day!
Thousands of potential customers are looking for something truly new in fitness. Now you can afford to offer them leading-edge technology. And regardless of your size or budget, you can find a VO2 system that is right for you!
Scott Kofoed, Ph.D is the President of KORR Medical Technologies, Inc. He can be contacted at 801.483.2080, or by email atscott@korr.com.
