MOVE LAB: RUN ANALYSIS & VO2 MAX
Photographs by Steven Carvente
Last month I visited Move Lab in Los Angeles for back to back days; doing a Precision Run Analysis and VO2 Max Test. The experiences were both exciting and challenging, with self-doubts coming up around my ability and even how my ACL would stand up to running full out. I got a lot more out of the experience than I anticipated and you can watch the two video episodes below on each of the sessions.
What is VO2 Max?
The faster you run or the longer you run, the harder you breathe. And if you sustain a fast running speed long enough, you will eventually find yourself breathing as hard as you can. The special term exercise scientists have for breathing as hard as you can is VO2max.
VO2max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during exercise. It’s a combination of how much oxygen-rich blood your heart can pump, and the muscles efficiency in extracting and utilizing the oxygen.
VO2max is both trainable and de-trainable.
Here is why it's important: VO2max training boosts running fitness more than any other type of run training. Since oxygen is critical to running fast, your VO2 max is the single best measure of running fitness.
The most obvious benefit of increasing your VO2 max is the potential improvements you’ll see in your running performance.
A higher VO2 max is also indicative of a higher anaerobic threshold, which, by definition, means a higher level of lactic acid tolerance. Functionally, this means that a level of exertion that used to be anaerobic and short-term for you—producing lactic acid—can now become aerobic with longer duration potential.
Training at VO2max increases the amount of oxygen your body can use. Obviously, the more oxygen you can use, the faster you can run.
Very few people ever reach their maximum genetic potential for VO2 max due either to a lack of motivation or a lack of training knowledge.
This description is from @altabrio, who is consistently sharing great training, triathlete and movement insight and advice, alongside great footage.
Move Lab is focused on offering customized, data-drive solutions that empower humans to archive optimal movement, performance and recovery.
The Precision Run Analysis provided very useful insights into hip and knee placement, weight distribution and where I’m lacking power or could be vulnerable for injury in the future.
