HHP 100 Foundations of Exercise Science
Name___________________________________
Lab # 4  10/1-10/5    VO 2 max

Purpose/Goals  The amount of oxygen that one can consume at maximum effort is a good
indicator of the efficiency of the heart.  In order to improve the efficiency of the heart, one must
place increasing demands on it.  In order to know whether you are working at an intensity that
affects the heart you need to be in your THRZ.  Heart rate is affected by the intensity of the work 
out.

Textbook   chapter 10

Equipment  Mile track, hand weights and stop watch - ( use your own wristwatch if it has
minutes and seconds.)  There will be one in the lab- (be sure you know how to use it before
you begin the test)

Task  Calculate your Target Heart Rate Zone (THRZ). Estimate your VO 2 max using the mile
walk.  Note the difference in heart rate between walking and walking with hand weights.

Procedure and Data
I.  Calculate your THRZ using the formula provided.

	____________________________  THRZ

II.  Estimate your VO 2 max using the protocol provided.  You will need to 
be timed in walking 
a mile and then take your Heart Rate.

	_____________________________  Est. VO 2 max

III.  Walk one lap around the track at a comfortable pace.  At the end of the lap take your
heart rate.  Your partner should then walk the lap while you rest.  Walk a second lap at the
same pace as the first one, but pump hand weights in natural opposition to leg swing.  At 
the end of the lap take your heart rate.  Heart rates should be taken immediately
after the lap for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4.

	_______________________  H.R-lap 1   ____________________  H.R.-lap 2

Analysis and Interpretation  
I.  Compare your VO 2 max with the chart provided and give and interpretation of the results.

II.  What is the physiological reason for the difference in heart rates in # III?

Application
A.  What would the affect be on the THRZ if you raised the resting heart rate (RHR)?

B.  Lowered the resting heart rate (RHR)?

Questions
1.  Why is there a relationship between THRZ and VO 2 max?

2.  If a person wanted to run as fast as he could for ten minutes he would use all three energy 
systems.  What would happen as he moved from ATP-PC to Lactic Acid and from Lactic
Acid to Aerobic system as the primary contributer of energy?  WHY?