VO₂ Max Test in San Diego
Find out how fit you really are, and get heart rate zones made for your body.
- Physician-led clinic
- Personal heart rate zones
- No referral needed
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Price
$250
Get ready
water only for 2 hours before
Where
World Trade Drive, San Diego
What is a VO₂ Max Test?
A VO₂ max test measures the most oxygen your body can use during exercise. It is the most accurate way to measure your heart and lung fitness.
You run on a treadmill while wearing a mask that measures your breathing. It starts easy and gets harder every minute or two until you reach your limit. Research links a higher VO₂ max to a longer, healthier life, so VO₂ max testing matters for everyday health, not just for athletes.
What your results show
Your VO₂ max score
How your fitness compares with people your age and sex.
Heart rate zones
Your personal zones, including Zone 2.
Your thresholds
The points where your body switches from easy to hard effort.
Heart and lung fitness
How well your heart and lungs work under effort.
A starting point
A number to compare against when you retest.
Book Now
We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the right care package for your needs.
Who is this test for?
A VO₂ max test helps anyone who wants to know their real fitness level and train smarter.
- Runners, cyclists, triathletes and other athletes
- Anyone who wants to train with real heart rate zones
- Adults who care about staying healthy as they age
- People starting a new fitness plan
- Anyone who wants proof that their training is working
How it works
Book
Book online or call us. Tell us about any heart, lung or joint problems and the medicines you take.
Arrive
Come in workout clothes and running shoes. We fit the mask and a heart rate monitor.
Test
Warm up, then the test gets harder step by step until you stop. The hard part is usually 8 to 12 minutes. You can stop at any time.
Results
We go through your score and heart rate zones with you
How to get ready
- 24 hours before
- No hard exercise and no alcohol
- Drink plenty of water
- Sleep 7 to 9 hours
- 12 hours before
- No heavy meals
- No stimulant products or supplements you don’t normally take
- 4 hours before
- No caffeine and no nicotine
- No large meal. A small snack is fine if you need one.
- 2 hours before
- Water only. Arrive well hydrated.
- What to wear and bring
- Workout clothes, running shoes and a sports bra if needed
- Water bottle, towel and a snack for after the test
- A list of your medicines with names, doses and times
- All your inhalers, and nitroglycerin if prescribed
- Please don’t book, or call us to reschedule, if you have:
- Chest pain at rest or with very little activity
- New or worsening shortness of breath at rest
- Fever, flu-like illness or a chest infection
- Recent fainting
- High blood pressure that is not under control
- A recent heart event or procedure without medical clearance
Medicines and health conditions
- Keep taking your usual prescription medicines unless we told you otherwise.
- Don’t stop heart or blood pressure medicines on your own. If you take beta blockers or rhythm medicines, tell us before your test, because they lower your peak heart rate.
- Diabetes: bring your glucose meter or CGM and some quick sugar, such as glucose tablets. Eat your usual pre-exercise snack if you use insulin or medicines that can cause low blood sugar. If you use insulin or sulfonylureas, ask your prescribing doctor for a test-day dosing plan.
- Asthma or COPD: use your daily inhalers as normal and bring your rescue inhaler.
- On test day, avoid decongestants with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (unless your doctor told you to take them), energy drinks and pre-workout products.
PRICE
VO₂ Max Test
Why Choose My Timely Health?
A physician-led clinic, not a gym
Your VO₂ max score
Results explained clearly, with next steps
Pairs with DEXA and RMR testing at the same clinic
Our care team is led by Dr. Suzan Mahdai, MD, MPH, DABOM, and Dr. Haider Aldiwani, MD, MPH.
