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PS900, PS1100 Treadmill Owner’s Guide
23
Gerkin Fitness Test
: F T
About the
Gerkin Test
One way to measure your overall fitness is to take the Gerkin
fitness test. Named after the Arizona researcher who designed
the test, this submaximal treadmill test (submaximal means
you work below maximum effort) is used to predict VO2 max:
the volume of oxygen you can consume while exercising at
your maximum capacity. This particular test has gained great
popularity in the firefighter and law enforcement community.
Like most fitness tests, it is classified as a graded exercise test
(GXT). The test is stopped at the point your heart rate reaches
85% of your age-predicted maximum.
Select the Gerkin test under the Advanced Options key.
Enter your age, which is used to calculate your test termination
point.
The Gerkin protocol starts at 4.5 miles per hour at a 0% incline.
It then increases speed or incline every 60 seconds. For example,
at the seven-minute mark, the speed increases to 6 miles per
hour while the incline raises to 8%.
When your heart rate reaches 85% of your age-predicted
maximum, the test waits for your heart rate to exceed the target
for 15 seconds, then terminates the test.
Running
the Gerkin
Test