Testimonials

First Quarter 2008

Alan Charley

Competitive Cyclist/President Woodlands Cycling Club
Your program is wonderful and as a result I had my first Top Ten finish in a Road Race EVER with a 10th place in Sunday's Houston Grand Criterium Downtown—this a day after taking 11th in the Bear Creek Criterium.

Best results competitively EVER for me on a bike. Thank you so much!

Ron Patterson

Fitness Enthusiast/Weekend Warrior
I am a weekend warrior with a full time job 54 years old. I've completed 23 marathons (20 Houston) 7 MS-150's and numerous other half marathons, triathlons and 10K's. Training for the Race Across America (RAAM) in 2006 I found I could train free of injuries or sickness by training around my anerobic threshold for specific amounts of time. Max VO2 testing is the only way to find your individual anerobic threshold for a specific sport. This training allowed me to reap the maximum benefit from my training with limited available time. We completed the 3200 mile 4 person co-ed bicyle relay from San Diego to Atlantic City in 7 days 16 hours and 51 minutes. I am using anerobic threshold training to train for the 2008 Solo Race Across the West (1000 mile bicycle race from San Diego to Taos) in under 4 days.

I wish I had trained under this system before 2006. I would have trained better, had fewer injuries and had better results.

Jerry Reimer

Fitness Enthusiast
In October 2007, the doctor said I was obese, had high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It was time for some significant lifestyle changes. Through diet changes and light exercise, I began to lose weight and improve the cholesterol. After five months, my weight loss rate began to slow, so I went to VO2MaxHouston to scientifically increase my exercise intensity. Two days after I finished my first 5-week cardio interval program, the doctor said I did not need to take the blood pressure medicine any more. Two weeks later, I ran my second 5k with my HR above my anaerobic threshold the whole time, cutting 12 minutes off my time. My first minute post-exercise HR now drops 35 beats, and my resting HR is 10-15 beats slower than it was seven months ago. This program is amazing because it works.

Dana Grigsby

Fitness Enthusiast
I did finish the set of cards and plan to run through them again. I definitely am seeing progress. I can tell I have to work harder now to get my heart up to the green and red zone. My recovery rate is improving too. At first it took a while to get my heart rate to dropback in the yellow zone without practically walking. Now, I am recovering much quicker!

Justin Goodale

Fitness Enthusiast
With the data I received from VO2Max Houston, I am able to train smarter rather than harder. I recover faster, perform better and am physically stronger. I was even able to complete my first Ironman!

John Gilchrist

Houston Racing Triathlon Club
Competitive Triathlete
As a newbie to the triathlon sport, I wanted to ensure I had as much information as possible regarding transforming myself into an endurance athlete.  I came to understand that V02 Max test were great ways to gauge my growth in that manner.

As well, I travel quite a bit for work.  Monday to Thursday I'm on the road and have to ensure that my training is structured and focused on making that transformation as efficiently as possible.

I'd done other V02Max test and had a good feel for the structure of the test.  And while I'd come out the other side of those test with an understanding of my fitness level - I didn't really have any structure around "targeted improvement".

This is where V02Max Houston excels, in my opinion.  The test facility, conductors, equipment, and immediate follow up are all spot on.  As well, they send you away with a structured plan for imporving your fitness level. And for me, that's the jewel of the entire process.

I've felt substantial improvement in my cycling form and fitness levels—and this is largely due to the great job the folks over at V02Max did for me!!

Third Quarter 2007

Kurt Gibbings

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test
Last October 2007, I visited VO2Max Houston to elicit professional assistance towards attaining my fitness goals. I found the staff to be capable, caring, and very attentive towards my needs. Utilizing on-site testing results, a personalized program was created which has substantially challenged me while remaining attainable. My weekly workout sessions have been enjoyable and stimulating, since each interval day is different and subtly more challenging. Interspersed are recovery days which effectively ensure over training is avoided.

Three months later, the results have been remarkable and speak for themselves. My energy level is noticeably higher, resting heart rate/blood pressure has diminished, body fat percentage has improved, and my V02 max score has increased by approximately ten percent. As an engineer by training, I appreciate the ongoing opportunity to scientifically measure my progress with specific, non-biased, detailed data explained by knowledgeable staff.

Judging from my experience, I would highly recommend the service of V02Max Houston to anyone serious about benchmarking and improving aerobic fitness.

Sarah Booth

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test
I could not believe the difference in my stamina! I caught up with two of my friends who were walking and I had to slow down to stay with them. I felt so good! I even had enough left to really run it in at the end of 12 miles. My time was slower overall due to the first 30 minutes (and also getting lost!), but I was able to run faster the rest of the run, and my heart rate didn't go up to 220. It stayed around 169 - which is VERY GOOD for me!

I am so impressed that this worked the first day. I can't wait for the second workout!

David Nelson

Triathelete/Houston Racing Triathlon Club
Initial Benchmark Test
Like many endurance athletes, I have read hours worth of literature on how to get the most effective workout in order to prepare for various events. While many of the plans had different definitions for intensity and perceived exertion, I always found myself wondering whether or not I was "working" as hard as was necessary to get the desired benefit. It was not until I was tested for both the run and the cycle by VO2 Max Houston that I realized the value of knowing my anaerobic threshold in each of these sports. Since then, my training has gone to an entirely new level, and I am watching vast improvements in my times. It is this continued improvement that makes me desire to train more and more between races.

The ladies at VO2 Max Houston do a great job of making their clients feel at ease during the test, and they also do a great job of explaining the results in order to apply them to workouts afterwards. I look forward to having a relationship with VO2 Max Houston for a very long time. It works!

Second Quarter 2007

Kendall Montgomery

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test and Two Follow-up Tests
For years I exercised regularly but with little to show in the way of total body fitness. Without increasing the duration or frequency of my exercise program, VO2Max taught me how to exercise more productively, increase my stamina, and achieve better total fitness. With regular VO2Max testing, I objectively evaluate my progress in achieving my fitness goals."

Carrie Flick

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test and One Follow-up Test
Since September of 2005, I have dedicated myself to getting in shape. I have worked out with a trainer, gone to the gym 4 to 6 times a week and watched what I ate. I always dreaded doing the cardio part of my workouts because I would literally be gasping be the time I got off the machine. I was seeing some results, but mostly I was hitting a wall and getting frustrated.

A friend of mine did the VO2Max test and told me about it. It sounded too goo to be true, but I decided that if it was possible to work out smart instead of hard, I was going to give it a go! I have really enjoyed the tests and learning more about how exercise affects the body. I also think the exercise cards are fun to do and so much easier than what I had been doing. I started to lose weight again. I admit it's not magic, but if you continue to do weight training and watch your nutrition, I feel confident that anyone who does this program can reach their fitness goals.

When people ask me what I'm doing to lose weight, I tell them about VO2Max with my highest recommendation."

Susan Wallace

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test
Preparing for a "max" anthing is very intimidating, even for a workout junkie. I tried to prepare myself mentally for what I was going to experience but felt nervous anticipating the "test." Performing the test wasn't nearly the ordeal I expected.

My tester was very professional and relaxed, which went a long way in curbing my fears. I got strapped on with the HR monitor and breathing apparatus and performed the test. I didn't look at the treadmill monitor until I started feeling I was getting to my 6-8 of my 10 max. I know perceptions are subjective so I didn't want to screw with the system by coloring my thoughts with how fast I was running or how high my HR was. However, I did look and that may have influenced my perception of exertion.

Either way, I survived the test, and later wasn't feeling sore or whipped. The results were explained and I was sent on my way with homework. I dreaded the first card (the unknown) but found it not to be impossible. Having only used a treadmill twice in my life, I was worried about my ability to perform my homework correctly. Well, it went off without a hitch. I have had no problems performing the cards on the treadmill and actually am enjoying my progress. I look forward to retesting and discovering the changes I have made."

First Quarter 2007

Mihaela Mullin

Kingwood Fit, Advanced Training Program coach
I learned so much more about myself, my body and how it performs under physical stress after the VO2Max test and by following your custom designed program, that I would encourage any serious athlete to take it, if improvement and performance are their goals.

Good luck with your sport activities and unique designed performance enhancement program!

Bob Sease

Marathoner/Kingwood Fit Member
Initial Benchmark Test and One Follow-up Test
After testing with you two times, what I really enjoy and appreciate about your service is the increased level of insight and education I came away with. Since I started to expand my running in 2004, I have been interested in the role that heart rate training plays in improving conditioning. My experience with you provided me with the tools to really pursue and enhance that aspect of my distance training.

Prior to my first test, I was very pleased with the amount of background information VO2Max worked up regarding my running experience, goals, current training programs and current performance. They went to a lot of effort to understand what my aspirations were for running. I was, of course, pretty nervous during my first test, but they made it feel very comfortable and relaxed as we progressed through the routine.

After the test, VO2Max spent a lot of time make sure I understood the detailed results of the test. I appreciate that you made certain I knew what each of the numbers meant and how they all related to each other. It is very important to me to know my own true max heart rate, my aerobic heart rate, and the other critical levels to help optimize my workouts.

The workout schedule, however, is the big benefit. the plan they designed for me provided a very specific roadmap to follow to take my running performance to the next level. There is no doubt that the knowledge and guidance I gained from your program was the reason I slashed 38 minutes off my marathon PR in 2007."

Chuck Gurney

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test
Sandy did a great job working with me and developing a plan to increase both my speed and endurance. By following the plan, I have lowered my times in each 10K race I have run since starting on the program."

Barb Campbell

Triathlete/Kingwood Triathlon Club
Initial Test and One Follow-up Test
As a triathlete and working mother of four, I am always seeking ways to optimize my training time so I can spend more time with my family. In January, I went to VO2Max Houston and had Jennifer create a personalized training program based on my numbers, not some chart. The cards they created are such a great tool to help teach you how and when to push hard and, equally important, how and when to pull back and recover. Thanks Jennifer!"

2006 Clients

Dave Lee

Triathlete, Marathoner, Adventure Racer and HTRC member
Initial Benchmark Test and Multiple Follow Up Tests
Coming from a collegiate swimming background, I knew a lot about training hard, but little about tactical heart rate training as I crossed over into multi-sport and had to learn how to maximize my endurance in new disciplines such as running and cycling. After months and years of slowly learning more about endurance training and building my own capabilities, Jennifer and her VO2Max testing allowed me to break through to another level. By quantifying everything I need to know about my aerobic and anaerobic threshold levels, I can dial in my training to get the most out of every training session. I would recommend this testing to anyone who's serious about improving their personal performance regardless of what endurance sport."

Charles DeLacey

Competitive cyclist, GCCA member
Initial Benchmark Test
I have participated in USCF bike races for over 20 years and had become complacent, bored and uninspired with my racing andtraining. A session with Houston VO2 Max has allowed me to gauge my fitness level and develop a program to become more efficient with my training. Although I have no interest in long miles and hours of training I did years ago, my goal of shedding most of the junk miles and developing more intensity in my rides has given me a higher fitness level with the same number of hours on the bike. The training planner provides you with simple work out schedules on pre-printed cards. Slip the card in your jersey and follow the plan. A higher level of fitness will follow.

Elizabeth Morgan

Kingwood Fit Assistant Coach, Marathoner, Triathlete, Ironman Relay participant, competitive cyclist
Initial Benchmark Test and Multiple Follow Up Tests
Shortly after starting my interval heart rate training program, I lost 6-7 pounds. My long runs have become so much easier. My heart rate does not climb like it did before and I just feel better and I now realize my workouts are now actually beneficial instead of being "junk", and as Jennifer recommended, I removed a couple workout sessions from my weekly routine as it was probable I was overtraining instead of training efficiently. It is really amazing. I really love the workouts-it takes all the guesswork out of it and I have tailored my schedule to fit them."

Jim Belmont

Novice Triathlete
Initial Benchmark Test
As a triathlon newcomer and a busy executive, I wanted to baseline my initial physical performance and capabilities so I could tailor my training based on personal capabilities and not some height-weight chart out of a magazine article, while maximizing the effectivenss of my training time. Jennifer Klein at VO2 Max Houston knew exactly what I was after, took the time to assess my goals, and created a personalized heartrate-based training program that now allows me to more effectively train in the time I have. Coupled with periodic re-testing, I can now plot my training results and make adjustments along the way, rather than continue with a program that is no longer effective for my current capabilities."

Jimmy Straughan

Jogger
Initial Benchmark Test
I recommend the VO2 Max Test to anyone looking for some structure in their workouts that will yield improved performance. I had started running about 2 years prior to visiting Jennifer at VO2 Max and I had seen relatively little improvement despite an enthusiastic dedication to logging miles every week. The results from the VO2 Max Test, combined with a structured program that focuses on specific objectives for each training session, has allowed me to finally see noticeable improvements in my performance. I also enjoy understanding the objectives of each of the separate types of workouts as this provides some variety and focus for each session. You definitely do not have to be a competitive athlete to benefit from this approach."

Kimberly

Fitness Enthusiast
Initial Benchmark Test
The VO2 Max test was a great tool that has helped me continue to achieve my weight loss goals (over 30 pounds since taking the test a few months ago). Adding more interval workouts to my training program, based in part on the results received from VO2 Max Houston, has improved my inline skate times substantially as well - cutting nearly 30 minutes off my half-marathon time in a recent race. I would recommend the test and training program to anyone looking to increase their fitness level and meet their goals."