Men's Health Fitness and Metabolic Testing
Men's cardiovascular and metabolic health needs evolve across the lifespan. VO₂ max and RMR testing in Santa Cruz provides objective data to optimize fitness, manage weight, track cardiovascular health, and support men's health goals from young adults through older age.
Medical Disclaimer: Fitness testing measures cardiovascular capacity and metabolism but does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always consult your physician for comprehensive men's health care including cardiovascular screening, testosterone management, prostate health, and other medical concerns.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men, but fitness is modifiable and powerful:
- Cardiovascular Risk: Men develop heart disease 10 years earlier than women on average. Low fitness is a stronger predictor of mortality than traditional risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
- Baseline Assessment: Know your current cardiovascular fitness level compared to age-matched men
- Prevent "Normal" Decline: Fitness typically declines 5 to 10% per decade after age 30 in inactive men, but this is preventable with training
- Optimize Training: Whether you are a competitive athlete or weekend warrior, personalized zones maximize training effectiveness
- Track Progress: Objective data shows whether your training program is working
- Motivation Through Data: Seeing measurable improvements provides powerful motivation to maintain exercise habits
Metabolism and hormones are interconnected in men's health:
- Age-Related Metabolic Slowdown: Metabolism declines 2 to 3% per decade due to muscle loss. RMR testing reveals YOUR actual metabolic rate, not population averages
- Testosterone and Body Composition: Testosterone levels naturally decline 1 to 2% per year after age 30. Lower testosterone is associated with increased body fat and reduced muscle mass
- Exercise Boosts Testosterone: Regular resistance training and high-intensity intervals can help maintain healthy testosterone levels
- Obesity and Testosterone: Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, lowers testosterone. Weight loss can improve levels
- TRT Considerations: If on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), exercise and nutrition are still crucial. RMR and VO₂ max testing optimize your program
Comprehensive cardiovascular fitness assessment:
- VO₂ Max Value: Your aerobic ceiling. Higher values indicate better cardiovascular fitness and lower mortality risk. Men's average: 35 to 45 mL/kg/min (varies by age). Athletes: 50 to 80 mL/kg/min
- Training Zones: Five personalized heart rate zones based on YOUR physiology, not age-based formulas
- Zone 2 for Fat Loss: Discover exact heart rate for maximum fat oxidation and aerobic base building (typically 60 to 70% max heart rate)
- Threshold Training: VT2 (ventilatory threshold 2) defines your lactate threshold-the key to race performance and high-intensity training
- Cardiovascular Screening: Unexpectedly low VO₂ max may indicate undiagnosed cardiac issues requiring further evaluation
- Track Improvements: Retest every 8 to 12 weeks. Typical improvements: 10 to 20% increase in VO₂ max over 12 weeks of training
Testing Process: 45 to 60 minute appointment. Choose equipment (treadmill for runners, bike for cyclists, rower, or stair mill). Same day results with detailed zones.
Stop guessing your calorie needs-know your exact metabolic rate:
- Precise Metabolism: Online calculators can be off by 300 to 600 calories per day. RMR testing measures YOUR actual resting burn rate
- Cutting Fat: Create appropriate 300 to 500 calorie deficit while preserving muscle. Typical safe fat loss: 0.5 to 1.5 pounds per week
- Building Muscle: Ensure adequate calories (250 to 500 calorie surplus) and protein (0.8 to 1.0 grams per pound) for lean mass gains
- Maintaining Weight: Know exact maintenance calories for long-term weight stability
- Track Metabolic Changes: Retest every 3 to 6 months. Metabolism adapts as body composition changes
- Hormone Therapy: If on TRT, monitor how hormone optimization affects metabolism
Testing Process: 20 to 30 minute appointment. Fast for 4 to 5 hours. Same day results with personalized calorie and macronutrient targets.
VO₂ max plus RMR testing (save $25)
Most comprehensive approach for men serious about health and performance:
- Cardiovascular Fitness: VO₂ max and training zones
- Metabolic Data: Exact calorie needs for any goal
- Complete Picture: Both fitness and nutrition optimized
- Track Everything: Retest both every 3 to 6 months
Men should discuss cardiovascular screening with physician if they have:
- Family history of early heart disease (father or brother before age 55)
- High blood pressure (above 130/80)
- High cholesterol (LDL above 100 mg/dL)
- Diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Obesity (BMI above 30)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Age 40+ even without risk factors
Your physician may recommend medical stress test before VO₂ max testing if you have multiple risk factors or symptoms.
Evidence-based exercise for cardiovascular health and longevity:
- Aerobic Exercise:
- • Minimum: 150 minutes per week moderate (Zone 2) OR 75 minutes vigorous
- • Optimal: 300 minutes per week for greater cardiovascular benefits
- • 80/20 Polarized Training: 80% in Zone 1 to 2, 20% in Zone 4 to 5 produces best results
- Resistance Training: 2 to 3 days per week. Critical for maintaining testosterone, bone density, and muscle mass as you age. All major muscle groups, 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 repetitions
- High-Intensity Intervals: 1 to 2 sessions per week (Zone 4 to 5). Boosts VO₂ max and metabolic rate
VO₂ max testing provides YOUR specific zones for all training intensities.
Men in Their 20s to 30s:
- • Establish fitness baseline while at peak
- • Optimize athletic performance
- • Build habits for long-term health
Men in Their 40s to 50s:
- • Track age-related fitness changes
- • Prevent metabolic slowdown
- • Manage weight gain and muscle loss
- • Cardiovascular disease prevention becomes critical
Men 60 and Older:
- • Maintain independence and function
- • Prevent sarcopenia (muscle loss)
- • Monitor cardiovascular health
- • Focus on longevity and healthspan
For competitive and recreational athletes:
- Sport-Specific Testing: Test on equipment matching your sport (treadmill for runners, bike for cyclists)
- Periodized Training: Zones guide base training, threshold work, and peak phases
- Race Preparation: Know exact pace/power targets for race day
- Track Training Adaptations: Retest every 8 to 12 weeks to verify program effectiveness
- Prevent Overtraining: Zones prevent training too hard on easy days
Exercise benefits prostate health in multiple ways:
- Vigorous exercise associated with 30% lower risk of advanced prostate cancer
- Maintains healthy weight (obesity increases aggressive prostate cancer risk)
- If on androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, exercise helps manage side effects (muscle loss, bone loss, fatigue, weight gain)
Share your testing results with:
- Primary Care Physician: Annual physicals, cardiovascular screening, general health
- Cardiologist: If cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors
- Endocrinologist: If on TRT or managing metabolic conditions
- Registered Dietitian: Uses RMR data for nutrition planning
- Personal Trainer/Coach: Uses VO₂ max zones to design workouts (visit rockurbody.com for coaching)
VO₂ Max Test: $250
RMR Test: $75
Performance Pack (Both): $300
Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Behind Hindquarter restaurant (second entrance off Dakota St.)
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com
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