VO₂ Max Testing Millbrae | Peninsula Fitness Testing

Professional metabolic testing for Millbrae residents. VO₂ max and RMR testing in Santa Cruz, 45 minutes via Highway 17.

Professional Testing for Peninsula Athletes

Millbrae's central Peninsula location-between San Francisco and San Jose, minutes from SFO-provides convenient access to professional VO₂ max and RMR testing in Santa Cruz. Just 45 minutes south via I-280 and Highway 17, Fit Evaluations offers comprehensive metabolic testing using the Korr CardioCoach system, the same equipment trusted by universities and sports medicine clinics nationwide.

Whether you're training on the Bay Trail, tackling Peninsula hills, or preparing for races, VO₂ max testing provides personalized heart rate zones calibrated to your individual physiology. Stop training by generic formulas and start training with data specific to your fitness level.

Why Millbrae Athletes Choose Our Testing

Easy Peninsula Access

From Millbrae, take I-280 South to Highway 17 South-approximately 45 minutes of straightforward freeway driving. Our facility is located just off Highway 1 in downtown Santa Cruz. Many Peninsula athletes schedule testing on weekends or combine it with a beach visit, making the trip both productive and enjoyable.

Perfect for Bay Trail Runners

The Bay Trail through Millbrae offers flat, fast running perfect for tempo work and long runs. VO₂ max testing provides precise heart rate zones for pacing these efforts correctly. You'll know exactly what heart rate to maintain for easy runs, tempo efforts, and threshold work on the Bay Trail.

Ideal for Peninsula Cyclists

Millbrae's access to classic Peninsula climbs-Old La Honda, Kings Mountain, and rides through Woodside-makes it a great location for cyclists. VO₂ max testing on the bike provides power and heart rate zones for climbing and endurance rides, helping you train effectively for the Peninsula's challenging terrain.

Testing Services

VO₂ Max Testing

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

You receive:

VO₂ max value and percentile ranking
Lactate threshold heart rate
Five personalized training zones
Comprehensive test report
Zone experience session

RMR Testing

RMR testing measures your resting metabolic rate-how many calories you burn at rest. Essential for weight management and nutrition planning. The test takes 15-20 minutes lying comfortably while breathing into a tube.

Driving Directions from Millbrae

Route: I-280 South to Highway 17 South

Take I-280 South from Millbrae
Continue on I-280 South through Los Altos Hills
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: 45 minutes without traffic. Highway 17 can experience delays during summer weekends and winter storms.

What to Expect

Before Your Test

No food 3-4 hours before testing
No exercise on test day before appointment
Avoid caffeine 4 hours before testing
Wear athletic clothing and appropriate shoes

During Your Test

You'll wear a mask connected to the metabolic analyzer while exercising. The test starts easy and increases in intensity every minute until exhaustion-typically 8-12 minutes. After reaching VO₂ max, we bring you back to each training zone so you can feel what each intensity feels like at the correct heart rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the drive from Millbrae worth it?

Yes. VO₂ max testing provides data you'll use for months of training. Many Peninsula athletes make the 45-minute drive 2-3 times per year and find the objective data invaluable. The scenic drive over Highway 17 is enjoyable, and many combine testing with a Santa Cruz visit.

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, updates zones as you get fitter, and validates training effectiveness.

Do you offer group rates?

Yes! We offer group rates for running clubs, cycling teams, and training groups of 5+ athletes. Contact us to discuss group pricing and scheduling for your Millbrae-based training group.

Can I combine VO₂ max and RMR testing?

Yes. Many athletes do both tests in one visit. RMR must be done first (requires fasted state), followed by VO₂ max testing. Total time is approximately 90 minutes-efficient for Peninsula residents making the drive.

Ready to Optimize Your Training?

Stop training by feel and start training with data. Whether you're running the Bay Trail, cycling Peninsula hills, or training for your next race, VO₂ max testing provides the objective information you need to train effectively. Schedule your test today and discover what precise training zones can do for your performance.

VO₂ Max Testing for Millbrae