VO₂ Max Testing Berkeley

Professional metabolic testing for Berkeley athletes and UC Berkeley students. Comprehensive VO₂ max and RMR testing in Santa Cruz, 90 minutes via Highway 17.

Professional Testing for Berkeley Athletes

Berkeley's highly active community-runners training on Berkeley Hills trails, cyclists tackling Grizzly Peak, UC Berkeley students and club athletes, and triathletes preparing for races-has access to professional VO₂ max and RMR testing in Santa Cruz, approximately 90 minutes south via I-80 and Highway 17. Fit Evaluations provides comprehensive metabolic testing using the Korr CardioCoach system-trusted by universities and sports medicine clinics for accurate cardiovascular assessment.

Whether you're climbing Grizzly Peak, running Tilden Park trails, or training for your next race, VO₂ max testing provides personalized heart rate zones calibrated to your individual physiology. Stop training by feel and start training with data.

Why Berkeley Athletes Choose Our Testing

Perfect for Berkeley Hills Training

Berkeley Hills offer world-class training terrain with Grizzly Peak, Strawberry Canyon, and Fire Trails. VO₂ max testing provides precise heart rate and power zones for hill climbing, helping you pace these demanding routes effectively and build strength without overtraining.

Ideal for UC Berkeley Students and Athletes

Cal students, club athletes, and recreational runners can optimize training with professional testing. Weekend appointments available-combine testing with a Santa Cruz beach trip for a perfect day out.

Tilden Park and Marina Training

Training at Tilden Regional Park or Berkeley Marina? VO₂ max testing provides exact pacing for trail running, tempo runs on Marina paths, and long rides through Tilden's challenging terrain.

Testing Services

VO₂ Max Testing

VO₂ max testing measures your maximum oxygen uptake-the gold standard for cardiovascular fitness. Choose from NOHRd SprintBok treadmill (runners), Wahoo KICKR Bike (cyclists), WaterRower (rowers), or Jacob's Ladder XL stair mill (general fitness). Testing takes approximately 45 minutes including warm-up, test, cool-down, and data review.

RMR Testing

RMR testing measures your resting metabolic rate-essential for weight management and nutrition planning. The test takes 15-20 minutes and provides your precise daily calorie needs.

Local Training Opportunities

Berkeley offers exceptional training venues for runners and cyclists:

Grizzly Peak: Iconic Berkeley Hills climb with stunning Bay Area views
Tilden Regional Park: Trail running and mountain biking with significant elevation
Fire Trails: Popular running and hiking routes through Berkeley Hills
Berkeley Marina: Flat waterfront paths perfect for tempo runs and recovery rides
Strawberry Canyon: Challenging trail running on UC Berkeley campus

Driving Directions from Berkeley

Route: I-80 East to I-880 South to Highway 17 South

Take I-80 East from Berkeley
Merge onto I-880 South
Continue on I-880 South toward San Jose
Merge onto I-280 South
Take Highway 17 South exit toward Santa Cruz
Follow Highway 17 over the Santa Cruz Mountains
Highway 17 becomes Ocean Street in Santa Cruz
Turn right on Water Street, left on Soquel Avenue
311 Soquel Avenue (behind Hindquarter restaurant, second entrance off Dakota St.)

Drive time: 90 minutes without traffic. Allow extra time during weekday commute hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the drive from Berkeley worth it?

Yes. VO₂ max testing provides data you'll use for months of training. Many Berkeley athletes make the 90-minute drive 2-3 times per year and find the objective data invaluable for training in Berkeley Hills, at Tilden Park, and for race preparation. Many combine testing with a beach day in Santa Cruz.

Can I test on the bike for Berkeley Hills cycling?

Absolutely. Cyclists should test on the bike for sport-specific results. The Wahoo KICKR Bike is fully adjustable to match your bike fit and provides power and heart rate zones directly applicable to Grizzly Peak, Tilden Park, and other Berkeley Hills routes.

Do you offer student discounts?

Contact us directly to inquire about student rates for UC Berkeley students. We're committed to making professional testing accessible to college athletes and students serious about their training.

How often should I retest?

Most athletes retest every 8-12 weeks during active training, or 2-3 times per year for maintenance. Retesting tracks improvements and updates zones as you get fitter.

Ready to Optimize Your Training?

Stop training by feel and start training with data. Whether you're climbing Grizzly Peak, running Tilden trails, or training for your next race, VO₂ max testing provides the objective information you need to train effectively. Schedule your test today.

VO₂ Max Testing for Berkeley