VO2 Max & Cardiovascular Performance Testing
VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise — the gold-standard measure of aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness. Alpha 1 Performance Lab measures it directly through breath-by-breath gas analysis using the medical-grade PNOĒ metabolic analyzer, rather than estimating it from a smartwatch or age formula.
Aerobic Capacity (VO2 max)
The maximum oxygen your body can use during intense exercise — the strongest single measure of cardiovascular fitness.
Aerobic & Anaerobic Thresholds
The exact points where your body shifts fuel sources and intensity limits, measured from your breath rather than estimated.
Personalized Heart Rate Zones
Zone 1 through Zone 5 set to your physiology so each session trains the right energy system.
Respiratory Efficiency
Breathing mechanics and pulmonary gas exchange that can limit endurance output.
What this service is
VO2 max testing is a cardiopulmonary exercise test that measures the maximum volume of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It is the gold-standard measure of aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness, measured directly through breath-by-breath gas analysis rather than estimated from a smartwatch or age formula.
- Who it is for
- Runners, cyclists, endurance athletes, and anyone who wants to know how fit they are for their age or train at the right intensities.
- What it measures
- VO2 max (aerobic capacity in mL/kg/min), aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, personalized Zone 1–5 heart rate training zones, and respiratory efficiency.
- How it works
- You wear a light breathing mask connected to the PNOĒ analyzer and perform a graded ramp test on a treadmill or cycle ergometer, increasing intensity in stages until maximal voluntary exertion. The test is non-invasive and takes 10–15 minutes of active effort.
- How long it takes
- Active ramp ~10–15 minutes · full session ~90 minutes
- Price
- $175–$299 (VO2 max, RMR, or dual + InBody bundle)
- Where it is available
- Administered in-club at Alpha 1 Performance Lab locations serving Rosemount and Lakeville, Dakota County, Minnesota.
- Who provides it
- Alpha 1 Performance Lab staff using the medical-grade PNOĒ metabolic analyzer, with results handed off to your Alpha 1 Personal Trainer for conditioning programming.
- Measured VO2 max (aerobic capacity) score
- Aerobic and anaerobic threshold identification
- Personalized Zone 1–5 heart rate training zones
- Respiratory efficiency and breathing analysis
- Integrated training & nutrition roadmap
Frequently Asked Questions
A VO2 max test measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise — the gold-standard measure of aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness. Alpha 1 Performance Lab measures it directly through breath-by-breath gas analysis during a graded ramp test on a treadmill or cycle ergometer, rather than estimating it from a smartwatch or age formula.
Measure Your VO2 Max
Stop estimating your fitness. Book a breath-by-breath VO2 max test and train with zones matched to your actual physiology.