Fitness/metabolic testing
klrenn
Posts: 245 Member
Hey,
I found a place near me that does RMR and vO2max testing.
Have you had this testing done, and dos you think it was worth it? I am interested in my true metabolic rate for my diet plus I'm a runner, and I thought that it would be beneficial for my training.
Will I come out with useful info? It will cost me $185
Would love opinions!
I found a place near me that does RMR and vO2max testing.
Have you had this testing done, and dos you think it was worth it? I am interested in my true metabolic rate for my diet plus I'm a runner, and I thought that it would be beneficial for my training.
Will I come out with useful info? It will cost me $185
Would love opinions!
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Replies
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Prolly not0
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What would you do with the information?0
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185 is a lot. The uni near me does it for 75 for the general population.
While I could see the knowledge of target heart rate might be beneficial, I do not think it is worth the money for the average person.0 -
Hey,
I found a place near me that does RMR and vO2max testing.
Have you had this testing done, and dos you think it was worth it? I am interested in my true metabolic rate for my diet plus I'm a runner, and I thought that it would be beneficial for my training.
Will I come out with useful info? It will cost me $185
Would love opinions!
Not really tempted - 12 minute run ("cooper test") is close enough for my needs. And I know my BMR from diligent logging.
Could be fun, though!
:drinker:
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Depends on: quality of test and testers, how much you like data, and how much you know how to use the data you will get. It's not likely that there will be any great revelations, but you will get some useful information. Hard to say how much practical benefit.0
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It's not likely that there will be any great revelations, but you will get some useful information.
That was my experience of the RMR test at least. It didn't tell me anything I hadn't already figured out through trial and error but I guess it was nice to have confirmation.
I use a Beep Test app to estimate VO2 Max which is helpful for assessing a trend and is sufficient for my purposes at least. I don't think the expense of an actual test would be worth it for me.0 -
It's not likely that there will be any great revelations, but you will get some useful information.
That was my experience of the RMR test at least. It didn't tell me anything I hadn't already figured out through trial and error but I guess it was nice to have confirmation.
I use a Beep Test app to estimate VO2 Max which is helpful for assessing a trend and is sufficient for my purposes at least. I don't think the expense of an actual test would be worth it for me.
On more than one occasion I have looked into investing in the equipment and becoming an itinerant metabolic tester, but the fact is that, when it comes to BMR, people just don't vary that much from the prediction equations.
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It's not likely that there will be any great revelations, but you will get some useful information.
That was my experience of the RMR test at least. It didn't tell me anything I hadn't already figured out through trial and error but I guess it was nice to have confirmation.
I use a Beep Test app to estimate VO2 Max which is helpful for assessing a trend and is sufficient for my purposes at least. I don't think the expense of an actual test would be worth it for me.
On more than one occasion I have looked into investing in the equipment and becoming an itinerant metabolic tester, but the fact is that, when it comes to BMR, people just don't vary that much from the prediction equations.
Also, add in the fact that BMR is only a small part of the energy balance equation and the more important number is TDEE.
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Wow! Looks like I will save my money. I'm the type of person that likes having as much data as I can, but it seems the cost/benefit isn't worth it.
@Mr_Knight thanks for mentioning the Cooper Test - that looks like it will serve my purposes well.0 -
Save your money and eat at what you believe to be your maintenance for a couple of weeks. If you actually maintain this will give your more info and be more useful in the long run than your RMR.
As far as your Vo2 max, unless you have a very specific reason for needing it, it's just a number that's not really useful for anything, except maybe setting up an activity tracker, but even then it'll be just as accurate without it.0 -
I did a VO2 max test in a sport lab out of curiosity.
Was just interested to get the number to judge my fitness progress for cycling.
The most "useful" part was finding my true max HR. Actually gave me confidence to push harder knowing the numbers I could hit without killing myself.
Important to do the test on the equipment you use the most, or the activity you do the most, though. I'm not a runner so Cooper Test wouldn't be a lot of use for me. Concept2 also have test to get an estimate but as I'm a cyclist both my VO2 max and max HR came out slightly differently to doing a proper test on a cycle.
Polar's so-called fitness test (I've got the FT60 HRM) seems to give a reasonable estimate for me and correlates with other fitness measures. Effectively free as I have the HRM anyway.
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I have had my RMR tested twice. I do find it very useful and it was a good 10% higher than the highest predicting formula (surprising to me - it was probably 20% higher than the formula that predicted the lowest BMR which is VERY significant amount of calories). I think I paid $175 for the RMR and a Bod Pod test (RMR alone was probably $100 or so).
For the VO2 Max, I have not had that done. My trainer did and said it's pretty hard and she felt awful doing it. She didn't recommend it LOL. My Polar watch has an estimate of VO2 Max which is supposedly pretty accurate so I just use that to gauge my fitness level.
For those of us who are numbers people, this information is invaluable.0 -
Hey,
I found a place near me that does RMR and vO2max testing.
Have you had this testing done, and dos you think it was worth it? I am interested in my true metabolic rate for my diet plus I'm a runner, and I thought that it would be beneficial for my training.
Will I come out with useful info? It will cost me $185
Would love opinions!
If you get the test and they tell you it's 20 or even if its 35 will you honestly run differently? I really doubt it. If you're Mo Farah and trying to knock off a minute off your 10k them maybe but for the recreational runner you'd be better off spending the money on a new pair of shoes, shirt, and shorts or something else that will motivate you more than a number on a test.
I've done a few personal tests on my own to try and max out my heart rate. It was interesting knowing what my max HR was but I honestly don't know what I'd do with a VO2 max number. "Cool. A 30." (Runs the same as the day before)
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@Mr_Knight thanks for mentioning the Cooper Test - that looks like it will serve my purposes well.
It's cheap and easy! :drinker:
And unless you're a world class athlete, it's almost certainly accurate enough.
Good luck!
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I too am a life tracker/data junky and have been tracking training HR with watches for years now. With all the data, I've gotten a pretty good idea of my own training zones and HRmax. And, I've found my HRmax differs by activity (cycling vs running vs rowing, etc.), and my HRmax is above average so all the online formulas don't work. It has also decreased over the years (which is normal).
There are various training-specific software packages that can be used to evaluate HR output from watches. I've been using a couple for a number of years. After analyzing my data, they'll suggest training strategies for improving VO2max, endurance, etc. However, the most interesting part is watching the trends over time (and over training programs). I don't think I'd find all that much value in a single static number (like the result from a one-time V02max test). If I could repeat that type of test yearly or before and after a training program, it might be more useful.
However, if you are truly interested, try picking up a copy of Daniels' Running Formula (likely free to borrow from your local library). Daniels did a lot of research on VO2max with running and has suggested training programs. This would give you an idea if it's something worth pursuing or not. Then, read up on theories contrary to Daniels just for balance.
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Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.0 -
Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?0 -
Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?
You really don't understand data people do you LOL...numbers are power! Even if you only track them and look at them. They make really pretty charts and graphs....
But realistically, I use my RMR number to be OK with my current level of eating. I worry a little bit less about inaccuracies of my food logging because I have a 10% cushion over what the app is expecting. If it had come back 10% less than the norm, I would have adjusted my calorie targets downward.
0 -
Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?
You really don't understand data people do you LOL...numbers are power! Even if you only track them and look at them. They make really pretty charts and graphs....
But realistically, I use my RMR number to be OK with my current level of eating. I worry a little bit less about inaccuracies of my food logging because I have a 10% cushion over what the app is expecting. If it had come back 10% less than the norm, I would have adjusted my calorie targets downward.
This ^^.
The RMR was out of curiosity and more of a confirmation. Dont see doing it again. The bodpod is to track progress monthly. What better way to measure LBM/ fat and how it relates to diet. You can look accurately at how the changes effect your efforts. Nutrient timing etc.
not a dificult concept to understand, regardless if its something "you" would subscribe to.0 -
Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?
You really don't understand data people do you LOL...numbers are power! Even if you only track them and look at them. They make really pretty charts and graphs....
But realistically, I use my RMR number to be OK with my current level of eating. I worry a little bit less about inaccuracies of my food logging because I have a 10% cushion over what the app is expecting. If it had come back 10% less than the norm, I would have adjusted my calorie targets downward.
This ^^.
The RMR was out of curiosity and more of a confirmation. Dont see doing it again. The bodpod is to track progress monthly. What better way to measure LBM/ fat and how it relates to diet. You can look accurately at how the changes effect your efforts. Nutrient timing etc.
not a dificult concept to understand, regardless if its something "you" would subscribe to.
Meanwhile tracking food+scale does the same thing, except more accurately.
Nutrient timing?0 -
Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?
You really don't understand data people do you LOL...numbers are power! Even if you only track them and look at them. They make really pretty charts and graphs....
But realistically, I use my RMR number to be OK with my current level of eating. I worry a little bit less about inaccuracies of my food logging because I have a 10% cushion over what the app is expecting. If it had come back 10% less than the norm, I would have adjusted my calorie targets downward.
This ^^.
The RMR was out of curiosity and more of a confirmation. Dont see doing it again. The bodpod is to track progress monthly. What better way to measure LBM/ fat and how it relates to diet. You can look accurately at how the changes effect your efforts. Nutrient timing etc.
not a dificult concept to understand, regardless if its something "you" would subscribe to.
Meanwhile tracking food+scale does the same thing, except more accurately.
No, it doesn't.
Like the previous poster said - you don't understand the data-driven mindset.
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Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?
You really don't understand data people do you LOL...numbers are power! Even if you only track them and look at them. They make really pretty charts and graphs....
But realistically, I use my RMR number to be OK with my current level of eating. I worry a little bit less about inaccuracies of my food logging because I have a 10% cushion over what the app is expecting. If it had come back 10% less than the norm, I would have adjusted my calorie targets downward.
This ^^.
The RMR was out of curiosity and more of a confirmation. Dont see doing it again. The bodpod is to track progress monthly. What better way to measure LBM/ fat and how it relates to diet. You can look accurately at how the changes effect your efforts. Nutrient timing etc.
not a dificult concept to understand, regardless if its something "you" would subscribe to.
Meanwhile tracking food+scale does the same thing, except more accurately.
No, it doesn't.
Like the previous poster said - you don't understand the data-driven mindset.
fair enough0 -
Some Garmin devices provide a VO2max estimate; mine does. The estimate is decently close to what the Cooper method estimates. Having a VO2max value in my head doesn't make a bit of difference to me or alter how I train or run.
I'd save your money and spend it on shoes. Or beer.0 -
Some Garmin devices provide a VO2max estimate; mine does. The estimate is decently close to what the Cooper method estimates. Having a VO2max value in my head doesn't make a bit of difference to me or alter how I train or run.
I'd save your money and spend it on shoes. Or beer.
Fairly certain you just don't understand the data driven mindset0 -
A little jealous of how much cheaper these tests seem to be in different areas of the country. $185 seems really expensive. I think I heard of someone mentioning bodpod or DEXA scan plus RMR testing for $30 on here once, while in my area DEXA scan is $40 (and I was surprised to find it available at all), while BodPod was an hour away and $100 a session.
Ultimately, it is your money and you'll have to justify to yourself the value. It seems you can get rough approximations for a lot less (free for VO2Max).
In the end, BMR isn't terribly variable across the human population. After life existing for ~4 billion years, and genus homo for 2 million the ability to perform metabolic functions in a substantially more efficient way just isn't out there - it would have been selected for already.0 -
Had RMR and bod pod done. First time being done and is good to know IMO.
The rmr testing by itself was $55. The bodpod is $10/mo and can test once a month to check progress. For me the one time fee and monthly was worth it. It estimated me @11% faster than typical for age/height/weight.
And what do you do with that information?
You really don't understand data people do you LOL...numbers are power! Even if you only track them and look at them. They make really pretty charts and graphs....
But realistically, I use my RMR number to be OK with my current level of eating. I worry a little bit less about inaccuracies of my food logging because I have a 10% cushion over what the app is expecting. If it had come back 10% less than the norm, I would have adjusted my calorie targets downward.
Numbers are only power if you understand the full equation and variables. Knowing your bmr and/or rmr is a small portion of the puzzle.
You still dont know TEA, TEF, or NEAT. All of which make up TDEE, which you can get a rough daily estimate from 4 to 6 weeks of tracking. And I understand that understanding TDEE doesnt allow you to understand BMR, TEF, NEAT, and TEA, but the outcome of knowledge is greater.
I am not saying that its not beneficial to know BMR as you can get a more accurate starting point for the equation, but its not something to get caught up on or spend a lot of money on, IMO.0 -
chronic dieter here who had maintained a normal weight for 20years but at expense of eating 1200 calories max a day. Told myself this was all I needed to maintain as 5" , 104lbs and reckoned my rmr would be driven to the ground from under eating anyway. To my surprise, testing showed its a very high 1598 for my stats. Been increasing calories slowly upto 1800 without gaining a lb. Going to keep doing this until find im gaining.Withough rmr test id never have had the confidence to eat more, fuel my workouts etc. Im hoping to maintain at 2300 calories. Vo2max is meant to be a good indicator of longevity(bbc horizon documentary)
-maybe that's why I havent had that test- afraid to know the truth???!!!0 -
Vo2max is meant to be a good indicator of longevity(bbc horizon documentary)
Good ol' vigorous exercise is good for something, eh? 0 -
A lot of universities do vo2 max testing for cheap/free if their sports ed students can monitor it. Vo2 and lactic threshold testing were always interesting, but not necessarily benefical. The only time I ever saw anyone benefit from it was when we learned one guy on the team had a very low vo2 max, but an insane lactic threshold.0
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