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Fitness Tests Overview
The Cardio Trainer includes three different Fitness Tests that measure your fitness level. Based on your specific age, gender,
and performance they calculate your fitness level through three different protocols.
The Army 2 Mile Fitness Test:
Test Parameters
• Maximum Speed: At user’s discretion
• Maximum Grade: Deactivated and set to 0%
• Maximum Heart Rate: Not part of test
Description
A manually controlled, flat ground, complete as fast as you can two-mile run. Upon completion you will receive a
U.S. Army assessment score (0-100).
Balke Fitness Test (must use Accutrack or Wireless Chest Strap):
Test Parameters
• Maximum Speed: 4.4 mph (5 mph with an L9), controlled by treadmill
• Maximum Grade: 15% (12% with an L9), controlled by treadmill
• Maximum Heart Rate: 80% of Maximum Heart Rate (see Heart Rate Monitoring)
Description
A heart rate controlled, walking pace, variable incline fitness test. The test increases in difficulty in an effort to raise
your heart rate to a target. Upon reaching your target heart rate, the test will terminate and calculate a fitness
assessment based on your performance (VO
2
Max Score).
Firefighter (Gerkin) Fitness Test (must use Wireless Chest Strap):
Test Parameters
• Maximum Speed: 7 mph,
• Maximum Grade: 15% (12% with an L9), controlled by treadmill
• Maximum Heart Rate: 85% of Maximum Heart Rate (see Heart Rate Monitoring)
Description
A heart rate controlled, variable speed and incline fitness test. The test increases in difficulty in an effort to raise
your heart rate to a target. Upon reaching your target heart rate, the test will terminate and calculate a fitness level
based on your performance (VO
2
Max Score).
What is VO
2
Max?
A person’s fitness level can be measured by the amount of oxygen his or her body can consume while exercising at maximum
capacity. VO
2
Max is a measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen in milliliters an individual can use in one minute
per kilogram of body weight. For years, only fitness trainers and doctors had access to this intricate fitness calculation.
Fortunately, the Cardio Trainer not only takes care of all the complex VO
2
Max calculations, but also gives you simple
evaluation anyone can understand.
Scores may vary due to different line voltages, component tolerances, and individual’s affinity towards each test’s
parameters. For a more accurate VO
2
Max calculation, take the average of the two scores (Balke and Firefighter
Fitness Test).
