Measuring your VO2 max is a bit different from measuring your blood sugar level or pressure. It is not a constant state of being but is achieved during in pre set conditions. You can ideally measure your VO2 max when your body is all worked up after exercise and your oxygen consumption is monitored.
Usually done in a lab or fitness center setting, the VO2 Max test requires a few more props than any ordinary test. The test measures the maximum oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. You wear a face mask and run or cycle as the intensity increases until you reach exhaustion. Throughout the test, your heart rate and breathing are monitored to calculate your aerobic capacity in ml/kg/min. The results reveal your endurance level and cardiovascular fitness and help you with relevant insights.
While lab testing is the most accurate way to measure VO₂ max, it’s not the only option. Many smartwatches and fitness trackers now offer VO₂ max estimates based on your heart rate, pace, and other activity data. Though not as precise as clinical tests, they do give you a much-required insight and upper hand.