Sports Trust

VO2 Max, Aerobic Power& Maximal Oxygen Uptake VO2 max has been defined as: "the highest rate of oxygen consumption attainable during maximal or exhaustive exercise" (3). As exercise intensity increases so does oxygen consumption. However, a point is reached where exercise intensity can continue to increase  without  the associated rise in oxygen consumption. To understand this in more practical terms, take a look at the diagram below: The point at which oxygen consumption plateaus defines the VO2 max or an individual's maximal aerobic capacity. It is generally considered the best indicator of cardiorespiratory endurance and aerobic fitness. However, as well discuss in a moment, it is more useful as an indicator of a person's aerobic  potential  or upper limit than as a predictor of success in endurance events. Aerobic power, aerobic capacity and maximal oxygen uptake are all terms used interchangeably with VO2 max. VO2 max is usually ...

Body Composition FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions about body composition tests. See more fitness testing FAQs. Where can I get my body composition measured? If you want just your skinfolds measured, try your local gym or a sports dietitian. If you are after underwater weighing or other more complex body composition measurements, try the kinesiology / physical education department of your local university. Why do they use those particular skinfold sites? I do not know why each particular skinfold site is used, however, I know that there have been other sites used previously that are no longer in vogue. Earlier research would have used a greater number of sites, and this number would have been whittled down till they found the current sites (up to 7) which give the best correlation when compared to the original criterion measure of bodyfat measurement, hydrostatic weighing. There is a compromise between having a small number of sites to measure (and less c...

Changing Heart Rhythms Research has revealed that when we experience stress and negative emotions such as tension, anger or frustration, our heart pattern becomes irregular and incoherent, which negatively affects health, brain function, performance and sense of wellbeing. This is displayed in our Heart Rate Variability (HRV) trace – HRV is the beat-to-beat changes in our heart’s rhythm. It is one of the few automatic bodily functions that we have the potential to control intentionally. This chaotic activity reinforces the stress reaction. However, when we regulate our breathing and experience positive emotions such as appreciation, care joy, and passion our HRV graph becomes much more ordered and coherent and the stress reaction is stopped. Ordered and harmonious heart rhythms are an indicator of your “coherence level”. High coherence is a state associated with positive emotional attitudes, which send signals to the brain that reduce stress, improve brain function, ho...