Vo2 Max for Medical
At Total Endurance, we provide high-accuracy VO₂ max testing for job-related medical clearance, including firefighter medicals, diver medicals, and occupational fitness assessments.
VO2 Max Medical testing
£100
Standard VO₂ Max Test
Includes: Full VO₂ max test with direct oxygen consumption measurement with a detailed report outlining your aerobic capacity, training zones, and recommendations. Ideal for firefighter, offshore, police, and diver medicals.
£150
48hr Fast-track Test
Includes everything in the standard test, but with priority booking and results within 48 hours – perfect for urgent job and medical clearance requirements.
£250
12 week VO₂ Max Test booster plan
If you don’t achieve the required VO₂ max standard, we can build a personalised 12-week training plan to help you improve your aerobic fitness and meet the target. The plan is tailored to your current ability and goals, combining structured interval work, endurance development, and progression.
Why VO2 Max?
VO2 Max vs Chester Step test
The Chester Step Test is widely used for firefighter, police, and offshore medicals, but it relies on heart rate (HR) response to increasing workloads. While this can provide a general estimate of aerobic fitness, HR-based testing has limitations, including:
Higher Heart Rate Readings – Factors like stress, anxiety, fatigue, or dehydration can artificially elevate heart rate, leading to false failures.
White Coat Syndrome – Some individuals experience elevated heart rates in medical settings, which may incorrectly suggest poor fitness.
Individual Variability – Heart rate can be influenced by caffeine, medications, or even recent training, making results less reliable.
A More Accurate Assessment
At Total Endurance, we use direct oxygen consumption measurement (VO₂ max testing) instead of relying solely on heart rate.
This method provides precise Measurement of Oxygen Uptake – Determines actual aerobic capacity, not just an estimate, as well as reliable Results Regardless of HR Variability, eliminating false failures due to stress or temporary HR fluctuations.
A More Comprehensive Assessment
Helps ensure job applicants meet true physiological requirements for demanding roles. Avoid unnecessary failures due to heart rate spikes.
CHESTER STEP TEST
for Firefighters, Police & Offshore Workers
The Chester Step Test remains a common fitness assessment.
1. For Firefighter Medicals
Required to meet fire service aerobic fitness standards.
2. For Police Fitness Testing
Used for recruitment and ongoing occupational assessments.
3. Offshore & Industrial Workers
Ensures physical readiness for hazardous environments.
However, for individuals who struggle with HR-based testing due to white coat syndrome or naturally higher heart rates, our direct VO2 max testing provides a fairer, more scientific alternative.
VO2 Max
Diver Medicals & Occupational Fitness
For commercial divers, offshore workers, and military personnel, maintaining high aerobic fitness is essential for safety and job performance. Many diver medicals and offshore clearances now require a VO₂ max assessment to measure oxygen efficiency and endurance under demanding conditions.
Required for Commercial & Saturation Divers
Used in Military & Offshore Worker Medicals
Ensures High Aerobic Fitness for Safety & Performance
Our oxygen-measured VO₂ max testing provides the most accurate assessment of your true aerobic capacity, ensuring you meet occupational health standards without false failures due to heart rate fluctuations.