Department of Public Health and Exercise Science

Metabolic and fitness testing measures your aerobic fitness (VO2max) and the calories (Kcal) that your body uses while resting and exercising. These tests measure the ability of your body to use oxygen to produce energy from the analysis of your breath. This assessment is conducted in two steps; a resting metabolic rate test and a fitness test.

You can use the results to check your progress over time. You can also give them to a nutritionist to receive a diet plan, to a physician to assess the health of your heart and lungs, or to a personal trainer to receive a personalized training program.

To obtain accurate results from these tests, it is recommended that you come to your appointment well-hydrated and 4 hours after eating a large meal or using any stimulant (i.e. coffee, smoking, energy drinks). It is also recommended to not exercise the day of the test and to carry with you a snack to eat after the exercise test.

Aerobic Fitness Test (VO2max)

The aerobic fitness test, or Maximal Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) test, measures the ability of your muscles to use oxygen and of your heart to work at different exercise intensities. This test will end at maximal effort (maximal test) or at lower exercise intensities (submaxinal test), depending on your preference and goals. The test can be performed on a treadmill or cycle ergometer (stationary bike). Recording of a 12-lead electrocardiogram and analysis of blood lactate during exercise can be performed upon request.

• Note: This test is only available to healthy individuals.
• Test Guidelines: Bring with you sports clothing to run on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike. You can have a light snack prior to the test.
• Estimated Test Time: 45 Minutes (you will exercise for 8-15 minutes).
• Sample VO2max report [PDF, 920 KB]

Why would I want an aerobic fitness test?

To start an exercise/training program to improve your physical fitness or sports performance. You will receive a classification of your aerobic fitness and a definition of your training zones.

How long does the aerobic fitness test take?

The test itself only takes 10-15 minutes but the entire procedure takes approximately 40 minutes.

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Testing

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) testing measures your resting energy expenditure (Kcal) that your body uses at rest and how much of those calories come from the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates.

• Test Guidelines: Bring a sweatshirt to keep your body warm. You will have to lay for 15-20 minutes in a laboratory at 70°F. A four-hour fasting condition is recommended for this test.
• Estimated Test Time: 30 Minutes (the measurement will last 15 minutes).
• Sample Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) report [PDF, 623 KB]

Why would I want an RMR Assessment?

Reasons to have an RMR Assessment include:

• To see if your metabolism is "fast" or "slow". 
• To accurately receive a diet prescription from a registered dietitian who can help you lose, gain or maintain your body weight. 
• To calculate your total daily energy expenditure. Estimations of total energy expenditure can be done using the following Miffin-St. Jeor equations:
  • RMR X 1.2 = if you do little to no exercise in a day (sedentary)
  • RMR X 1.375 = if you do light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week (lightly active)
  • RMR X 1.55 = if you do moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week (moderately active)
  • RMR X 1.725: If you do hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week (very active)
  • RMR X 1.9: If you do very hard exercise/sports and physical job (extra active)

How long does an RMR Assessment take?

For this test you will be asked to lay down on a table while wearing a plastic clear helmet for 15 minutes. The test itself takes 15 minutes but the entire session may last around 20 minutes.