I had a VO2 max test today, along with my BMR test. Very interesting data. I learned that my BMR is 2174.... 4% above average for a man my age and weight....good to know it hasn't been reduced down to nothing after so much weight loss and so long on a reduced calorie diet.

My VO2 max was 46.3 which according to their report was very good. They were also able to give me very precise target heart rate zones for burning fat versus burning glycogen while working out. It's nice having the exact numbers rather than using the online guesstimations that are all over the Internet.

I'd say for many people this info may not be very important or necessary, but if you want to train hard and maximize your fat burning while doing it this information can be very helpful.

Both tests together cost $175 and I had it done at a sports training center here in town.

Also, if you happen to be attending a university with a Kinesiology department they usually offer these tests to students for free! While I am no where near "training hard" it's still a really useful piece of information to have. Our university also offers these tests to the community for a very reduced rate, so if anyone lives near one it's definitely something to look into.

Thanks for this info. I am concerned about the reduction in calories and will I be able to burn much after my goal weight is reached. I think I get those tests at 1 yr out, I am glad to hear your numbers are good.

I just keep exercising, my thing is water aerobics and walking 6 times a week for one hour. I love the pool but I am going into the land of weights and trainer next week. Hopefully I will enjoy it as much as I do that water! Getting the cortisone shot in my knee last week has also helped so I can workout at full capacity. Knee joint already trashed so I am not concerned about negative cortisone side effects, knee replacement in my future.....god, I am telling you my life story, good bye :-)))

interesting info... I may have to look into that instead of relying on online calculators.... I also want to get the body fat test where they submerge you in the pool

interesting info... I may have to look into that instead of relying on online calculators.... I also want to get the body fat test where they submerge you in the pool

There is another test called DEXA which is even more accurate for measuring body fat than the submersion test....or at least that's what they say. I have never had it done.

This is a good topic. I need to look that last one up.

I am going to get this done to figure out where to exercise to burn the most kcal. In my research on this, there is a difference between a submaximal and maximal test. Submaximal are done at athletic clubs and some sports teams, and only take you to a certain point. What I learned is that if you want to find out for example, how much interval versus cardio training to do, you have to go to absolute maximum to see the relationships. it appears that is only done in medical facilities. Apparently the submaximum tests don't do a very good job of predicting your maximum of helping develop upper training zones.

I did an InBody test at the DCHSS in Denver (www.denverchss.com), and the physiologist there does maximal tests on Bariatric patients and apparently has quite a bit of experience with this. I am going to do mine on a recumbent elliptical as my knees are a little irritated, and doing it seated might help. Wolkodoff, the physiologist said he tested that against the bike and treadmill and it made more sense for Bariatric patients that can't run well or fit on the bicycle seat! My first experience there was the InBody test (which is apparently as good as the DEXA scan), which was very good, so I am guessing this should be good as well. Also, my research revealed they use much better equipment in medical centers than athletic clubs, much more accurate with more data points.

If you are going to do this, research it and make sure you work with someone that can take you to maximum, and has experience with Bariatric patients. You will need to do it at a medical facility like the DCHSS, but it appears to be a much better test than what you get at an athletic club from a personal trainer.