VO2 Max Testing in Los Gatos

Data-Driven Performance Insights

Train with Precision, Improve Endurance, Burn Fat & Uncover Key Metrics Like Biological Age

VO2 Max is the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular and metabolic fitness. It shows you how much oxygen your body can use when you’re really pushing yourself.

This makes it one of the best ways to track your overall fitness and endurance. Think of it as your body’s horsepower for movement, stamina, and performance.

But VO2 Max is more than just a number. It can help you build endurance, train smarter, and improve fat metabolism. It’s one of the strong predictors of long-term health and longevity. We can also use your VO2 Max test to estimate your biological age – a key metric to see how well your body is actually functioning on a cellular level.

We use VO2 Max testing at the Young Naturopathic Center to help you improve performance, boost endurance, and support lasting wellness.

Keep reading to see how this test can help you train smarter and reach your goals faster.

What We Offer

Our VO2 Max testing process is quick, non-invasive, and designed to give you more than just numbers.

Yes, you’ll get your VO2 Max value.

But you’ll also walk away with a personalized nutrition and fitness plan tailored to your unique needs. Here’s how it works:

1. Passive Breathing Analysis

This is the easy part. You’ll wear a specialized mask and breathe normally while we measure how much oxygen you take in and how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) you breathe out.

We do this as it helps us calculate your Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER).

What is RER?

Your RER is the ratio of CO2 produced to oxygen consumed. It helps us understand if your body is using fat or carbohydrates for fuel.

• An RER of 0.7 indicates fat is your primary energy source
• 1.0 means carbohydrates are the main source
• Most people fall somewhere in between 0.7 and 1

Think of it like this:

If your VO2 Max tells us the size of your engine, your RER tells you if your engine runs diesel or gasoline. Your RER score is neither a “good” or “bad” number. It’s just information about how your body works.

Once you know your score, we can help you optimize how your body burns fat or uses carbs more efficiently.

2. Active Assessment

This part is a bit more challenging but still manageable. You’ll do about 10 minutes of exercise on a stationary bike while wearing the same breathing mask. This is when we measure your VO2 Max.

What Does Active Assessment Tell Us?

If the RER tells us what kind of fuel your engine uses, the active test shows us how well that engine runs.

This helps to assess:

• The amount of oxygen your cells can take in vs the amount of carbon dioxide your cells get rid of, better known as mitochondrial function.
• The efficiency of your heart in pumping blood around the body.
• How quickly you recover from exercise and, essentially, can heal.
• How efficiently your cells use oxygen, something we call biological efficiency (also known as your “biological age”)

During the test, we’ll be measuring your heart rate, body weight, oxygen intake, and CO₂ output.

But that’s not all.

While you’re pedaling, we’ll also collect data on your optimal race pace and ideal cycling position. These are performance insights a smartwatch just can’t deliver.

3. Comprehensive Results Review

After the test, you’ll receive a 15–20-page, easy-to-understand report. You will receive a one-hour consultation with our PNOE VO2 Max support team. One of our team members will walk through it with you, making sure everything is clear and personalized to your goals.

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What’s Included?

In addition to your VO2 Max and RER data, you’ll get a personalized health and fitness plan with insights into:

• Nutrition: Details on what fuel you burn (carbs vs fat), what to eat before, during, and after a workout or race.
• Training: Personalized training zones for aerobic and strength exercises.
• Next steps: Consider re-testing once you have implemented changes for 12 weeks. Most people benefit from a resting metabolic rate (RMR) analysis at least twice per year to check in on their metabolic health.

Who This Is For

VO2 Max testing used to be just for elite athletes. But not anymore. In just 30 minutes, we offer the same advanced, data-driven assessment tailored for you.

• Have your race times hit a plateau? 

We’ll help you figure out why. You may need to adjust your cadence or posture, or fine-tune your nutrition strategy.

• Trying to lose those last few pounds with no success?

Your body might be more inclined to burn carbohydrates than fat. Our RER calculation will show you how your body is fueling itself and what you can do to improve fat burning.

• Got a race coming up?

We’ll give you a personalized nutrition plan and training strategy to help you beat your personal best.

• Smartwatch/ exercise tracker giving you confusing or inconsistent data?

Smartwatches are great, but they rely on general algorithms and basic metrics like resting heart rate. While they’re helpful, they often miss the full picture.

Our 30-minute VO2 Max test gives you real, personalized insights you just can’t get from a wearable.

How VO2 Max Testing Works

The whole process is simple and takes just three steps:

• Book your consultation online: You can choose to focus only on your VO2 Max or bundle it into a full wellness plan.
• Come in for your test: The test takes just under 30 minutes.
• Review your results and plan: Your report includes your VO2 Max and RER, along with a personalized breakdown of what those numbers mean for your diet, exercise, and overall health potential.

Book Your VO2 Max Test Now

What to Expect From Testing

On the Day of Your Test

Your test will take place at the Young Naturopathic Wellness Center in Los Gatos. When you arrive, our team will be there to welcome you and guide you through each step.

Make sure to wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers. You’re welcome to bring extra clothes, a bottle of water, and a snack for after the test.

Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before. If sleep is a struggle for you, let us know! It will be important for the report, and we can support you with that.

Avoid intense exercise (or anything over an hour) for at least 24 hours beforehand. Skip caffeine, energy drinks, and tobacco on the day of your test, as these can affect your results.

Keep taking your usual medications, and bring them with you to your appointment.

What the Test Will Feel Like

First, we’ll do a passive breathing analysis while you’re resting. Then, we’ll move into the active part of the test.

You’ll start at a pace that’s comfortable, but not too easy. The intensity will increase every minute.

The goal is to reach your peak in about 10 minutes. This helps us measure your maximum heart rate and oxygen use without overdoing it.

How We Collect and Use Your Data

You’ll wear a comfortable mask to track your breathing. Chest straps and a light backpack will measure your heart rate. All of your data is sent to our system in real-time.

We review the results right away and create your personalized report before you leave.

Optional Tests

If you’d like, we can also measure your:

• Resting metabolic rate (RMR)
• Body composition
• Health and wellness testing

Why Patients Trust Us

Our team at the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness has nearly 40 years of experience in patient care. We use the latest equipment that professional athletes also use.

From there, we translate your results into clear, actionable plans that align with your health goals.

We’re here to support your full wellness journey with services that work together to help you feel your best, including:

• VO2 Max testing
• Metabolic bloodwork
• IV therapy
• Peptide optimization
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Comprehensive wellness testing

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