FitMed Partner's VO2Max Helps Athletes Improve Performance

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Feb. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Athletes, runners especially, often compete with themselves as much as they compete with those around them.  One local runner, Gwen Petty, wanted to increase performance and speed but was not sure how to get better results. Petty states, “ I had the feeling that I had the capacity to be a better runner but that perhaps I was not tapping into my potential.  I wanted to figure out the heart rate target zone I needed to reach to improve my running.”

Petty turned to Dr. Bright McConnell, III of Charleston Sports Medicine and FitMed Partners for help, and he in turn recommended the VO2Max test.   Says McConnell,  “The VO2Max test is an excellent indicator of cardiovascular fitness.   Many athletes like to have this test done and use the results as a tool in their training.  We are happy to provide a local athlete the opportunity to gain insight on performance while improving potential.”

The VO2Max is a graded exercise test administered on the treadmill or exercycle (whichever is most comfortable for the patient) and takes about twenty minutes.   An exercise physiologist increases the intensity while measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration.  VO2Max is determined when oxygen levels become steady despite an increase in intensity.   After her experience Petty recommends this test to other runners.  She states, “ “I was shocked at the results.  I now have a target heart rate for sprints, intervals, and long runs.  I can now take my running to the next level.  I hit a wall and this will get me past that.” FitMed Partners offers the VO2Max test at their office on Daniel Island.   For more information, log onto www.fitmedpartners.com.    To schedule an appointment, call 843-284-5200.