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How to Test VO2 on a Treadmill

Olivia Prete
· · Updated Jan 16, 2026 · 2 min read
People who are very fit will have a higher VO2 max than people who are less fit. VO2 max refers to the level at which an individual consumes the highest amount of oxygen during an intensive workout. You can test your VO2 max using a treadmill or a stationary bike.

While your VO2 max is genetically predetermined, you can enhance your VO2 max by 20 percent through an intense training program. In order to affect your VO2 max, you must push yourself as hard as you can each session.

 

Things You'll Need

  • Incline treadmill
 

4 Steps To Test Vo2 On A Treadmill

How to Test VO2 on a Treadmill

 

1. Warm Up On The Treadmill By Walking At A Comfortable Pace With No İncline For 10 Minutes

Then take the speed up to 1.7 miles per hour and the incline to 10 percent. Continue walking at this speed for three minutes.

 

2. Take The Speed Up To 2.5 Miles Per Hour And The İncline To 12 Percent

Continue walking for another three minutes.

 

3. Take The Speed Up To 3.4 Miles Per Hour And The İncline To 14 Percent

Continue walking or running for another three minutes. Repeat these intervals, adding two percent every three minutes.

Your speed for minute nine should be 4.2 miles per hour, minute 12 5, minute 15 5.5, minute 18 6, minute 21 6.5, minute 24 7 and minute 27 7.

  1. If you have followed protocol properly, the incline should be 28 percent at minute
  2. Walk or run for as long as you can and then stop. Record the time you have spent on the treadmill.

 

4.

Use The Bruce Treadmill Vo2 Max Formula To Calculate Your Vo2 Max

Men should use the following formula: VO2max = 14.8
  • (1.379 x T) + (0.451 x T2)
  • (0.012 x T3) and women VO2 max = 4.38 x T
  • 3.9. T is the time you spent on the
treadmill.

If your total treadmill time is 10 minutes and 30 seconds, write it as 10.5 when using the formula.

 

Tips & Warnings Use an assistant if possible for best results. You might not be able to properly record your statistics when you are extremely fatigued.
 

You Might Also Like :: How to Build Endurance on a Treadmill

 

How to Test VO2 on a Treadmill

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Written by

Olivia Prete

For the past 5 years, she has been sharing her thoughts and experiences through her blog, covering topics ranging from personal development to pop culture. Olivia's writing is honest, relatable, and always thought-provoking.

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