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This manual is part of the computer program MyCalorieCoach. You can print this manual and use it with the software.

VO2Max en conditie

Breng uw VO2Max en conditie in kaart

This manual provides brief information about the VO2Max, and it is based on texts from various websites and books. This manual is intended to provide information about the VO2Max and how it can be used with the MyCalorieCoach program.

VO2Max

The VO2Max is a measurement that indicates the maximum amount of oxygen your body can absorb per minute. The oxygen is used to burn fats and sugars in the muscles. There is a linear relationship between the amount of oxygen being used and the amount of energy being used. In other words, when we measure a person's use of oxygen, we also measure their maximum (performance) capacity. The VO2Max is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during maximum exertion. The higher the VO2Max, the more talent a person has for long endurance sports.

VO2Max fitness

The VO2Max can be predicted or measured by fitness tests (maximum test or submaximum test). The VO2Max is a good indication for the fitness of the cardiopulmonary system and a good predictor of the performance levels. The VO2Max test (maximum oxygen absorption) is the most commonly used method to determine a person's physical condition. You can measure your VO2Max in a fitness centre or have it calculated by MyCalorieCoach.

MyCalorieCoach can measure your VO2Max approximately on the basis of the method designed by Jackson et al. (1990). This method takes weight, height, age, BMI, gender and activity into account. MyCalorieCoach can quickly determine whether you are a beginner, light sportsperson, active sportsperson or intensive sportsperson. A higher VO2Max indicates a better physical condition. The following factors influence the VO2Max:

  • Hereditary influences play a 20% to 30% role in the VO2Max
  • After the age of 25, the VO2Max is reduced by 1%
  • Intensive training can boost the VO2Max by up to 20%
  • The VO2Max value of women is 15-30% lower than that of men
  • VO2Max is reduced as fat levels rise

The values in the table presented below are the reference values for your VO2Max. These reference values are a guideline to determine whether your VO2Max value is correct. The following reference table is for men, the one below that for women.

Men age: Very bad Bad Reasonable Good Very good Excellent
13 - 19 < 35.0 35.0 - 38.3 38.4 - 45.1 45.2 - 50.9 51.0 - 55.9 > 55.9
20 - 29 < 33.0 33.0 - 36.4 36.5 - 42.4 42.5 - 46.4 46.5 - 52.4 > 52.4
30 - 39 < 31.5 31.5 - 35.4 35.5 - 40.9 41.0 - 44.9 45.0 - 49.4 > 49.4
40 - 49 < 30.2 30.2 - 33.5 33.6 - 38.9 39.0 - 43.7 43.8 - 48.0 > 48.0
50 - 59 < 26.1 26.1 - 30.9 31.0 - 35.7 35.8 - 40.9 41.0 - 45.3 > 45.3
60+ < 20.5 20.5 - 26.0 26.1 - 32.2 32.3 - 36.4 36.5 - 44.2 > 44.2
Woman leeftijd: Very bad Bad Reasonable Good Very good Excellent
13 - 19 < 25.0 25.0 - 30.9 31.0 - 34.9 35.0 - 38.9 39.0 - 41.9 > 41.9
20 - 29 < 23.6 23.6 - 28.9 29.0 - 32.9 33.0 - 36.9 37.0 - 41.0 > 41.0
30 - 39 < 22.8 22.8 - 26.9 27.0 - 31.4 31.5 - 35.6 35.7 - 40.0 > 40.0
40 - 49 < 21.0 21.0 - 24.4 24.5 - 28.9 29.0 - 32.8 32.9 - 36.9 > 36.9
50 - 59 < 20.2 20.2 - 22.7 22.8 - 26.9 27.0 - 31.4 31.5 - 35.7 > 35.7
60+ < 17.5 17.5 - 20.1 20.2 - 24.4 24.5 - 30.2 30.3 - 31.4 > 31.4

DISCLAIMER

The information on this page has been compiled with the utmost care. Nevertheless, it is possible that the information is not entirely correct. This information is not intended to replace trained professionals, but it is intended purely for educational purposes. Neither the information on this page nor use of the software can be viewed as replacing medial or other professional assistance or information provision. The information on this not intended to serve as a tool for (self)diagnostics. Visitors are recommended to present medical questions, complaints or symptoms to a doctor in time.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VO2_max

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/