Assessment Options Available at The Marsh

• Cardiovascular Fitness (VO2) and Anaerobic Threshold
• Metabolic Rate (RMR)
• Body Composition and Ideal Weight
• Strength and Flexibility
• Blood Work (cholesterol & blood sugar analyses)

Why The Marsh?

• The Equipment: We use medical grade (not health club grade) testing equipment, guaranteeing accurate results.
• The Staff: Our Health Education Team staff are among the most highly educated and experienced in the industry.
• The Consultation: We won't just hand you results and send you on your way. Each test is personally interpreted by our Health Services Department. We will go through every detail of your results and design a personalized program to meet your needs and goals.

VO2 testing for Athletic performance

• VO2 testing and heart rate monitor training were initially pioneered in the 1970s to train the world's best athletes. Today this technology is available to anyone interested in improving their athletic performance, health or simply losing weight.
• A VO2 test ensures that you get the most from your heart rate monitor. Age-predicted heart rate zones are very inaccurate. A VO2 determines your actual heart rate training zones allowing us to scientifically design a training program specific to your body and your goals.

What are the benefits of VO2 testing?

• VO2 max scores range from <20 ml/kg/min (de-conditioned individuals) to >80 ml/kg/min (elite athletes).
• Knowing your VO2 max allows you to compare your fitness level pre- and post-season or year-to-year in order to determine the effectiveness of your current training program.

Identifying your lactate/anaerobic threshold

• Your anaerobic threshold is the exercise intensity at which your body begins to become inefficient. As the heart and lungs struggle to deliver an adequate amount of oxygen to the working muscles, acid accumulates causing muscular fatigue, forcing you to either quit exercising or reduce your pace and/or intensity. Most athletes can exercise above their threshold for no more than 30-45 minutes before they fatigue.
• Through proper training, you can increase both your VO2 max and your threshold, improving your performance.

Using the data to train efficiently

• VO2 testing will identify your five heart rate training zones. Training using these zones not only improves your athletic performance, but also makes your workouts more efficient, allowing you to see better improvements in less time.