Vo2 Max Training

 

Someone sent me a FaceBook link to a fitness site for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. They have an iPhone app for V02 Max testing. So I looked it up and this is what I discovered (definition compliments of UltraRunning Edge)

• VO2 Max Training—An all out effort for about three minutes, repeated six or seven times with at least 2 minutes recovery in between. The emphasis is on effort (as opposed to running form). VO2 Max training improves general cardiovascular capability and increases the number and size of mitochondria in the specific muscle groups used. It is similar to 800 meter intervals but should be done at a considerably harder level.

As I explored the NTNU website I stumbled upon a VO2 calculator. Now I will admit, this is quite unscientific compared to running on a treadmill with a vacuum cleaner hose attached to my face, but I was curious. This was a quick survey. Here is a capsulized summary of the questions:

• Gender?
• How often do you exercise?
• How long is each workout?
• How hard do you train?
• How old are you?
• What is your waistline in cm?
• What is your resting pulse?

Then you simply press “calculate”.

Now I think most of my readers will agree that a regular CrossFitter is very likely going to be in better cardiovascular health than the general population. But I was stunned by the results. It estimated my fitness level to be 37 years of age. I’ll take it!!

But I was curious, about how I would have scored a year and a half ago? So I entered another set of answers based upon my past “reality”. I could say I was shocked by the results, but I know how badly I felt back in the beginning of 2012. This reading at the top of the page gives you an indication of just how unfit I was.

So for those of you who question my sanity for eating Paleo and doing CrossFit at 62 years old, look at these stats.  I might not be nuts after all. (at least regarding my health)