At Fluid Health and Fitness, we don’t guess with your fitness — we measure it.

When you schedule an Active Metabolic Rate (AMR) Assessment and Cardiopulmonary Screen, you’re not getting a surface-level test. You’re getting a scientific blueprint of how your body breathes, moves, and fuels itself under stress — critical information to build a stronger, more resilient you.

Here’s exactly what you can expect from start to finish.

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Why We Test: The Right Data, the Right Way

 

An AMR assessment at Fluid captures critical physiological markers, including:

• Heart Rate (HR): Cardiovascular load and recovery

• Oxygen Uptake (VO₂): Aerobic engine capacity

• Carbon Dioxide Production (VCO₂): Metabolic waste management

• Ventilatory Equivalents (Ve/VO₂ and Ve/VCO₂): Breathing efficiency during exertion

• Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER): Fuel utilization balance (fat vs. carbohydrates)

• Ventilation Volume (Ve): Total respiratory effort

• Expired Oxygen and CO₂ (FeO₂ and FeCO₂): Gas exchange efficiency

These values show how:

• Efficiently your body uses oxygen

• Effectively your respiratory system supports performance

• Well your cardiovascular system adapts to different intensities

It’s not just about how hard you work — it’s about how cleanly your system operates.

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Why Fluid Uses Two-Minute Stages for Testing

 

We structure your AMR assessment using either one-minute or two-minute stages depending on your specific goals:

Why two-minute stages matter for efficiency testing:

• Steady-State Readings: Oxygen consumption (VO₂) and carbon dioxide production (VCO₂) stabilize only after 2–3 minutes at a consistent workload.

• Accurate Ventilatory Measurements: Reliable Ve/VO₂ and Ve/VCO₂ ratios require steady-state breathing.

• Real Metabolic Profiling: Short stages (<2 min) introduce noise and distort fat vs. carbohydrate substrate analysis (RER).

 

At Fluid, we prioritize scientific precision over speed — because understanding your physiology is too important to rush.

(References: Wasserman et al., 2012; Beaver et al., 1986; Meyer et al., 2005; Korr Technologies, 2020)

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Step-by-Step: Your AMR Process at Fluid

 

1. Health History and Movement Screening

• We review your full health history, training background, and any relevant orthopedic or cardiovascular concerns.

• You complete a movement quality screen using the Kinotek 3D capture system.

2. AMR and Cardiopulmonary Testing

• You’ll be fitted with a specialized respiratory mask connected to our metabolic analyzer.

• Workload will progress gradually while we continuously collect data:

  • HR, VO₂, VCO₂, Ve/VO₂, Ve/VCO₂, RER, FeO₂, FeCO₂, and ventilation rates.

Our team monitors every step to ensure safe, valid, and actionable results.

3. Data Organization and Review

• After your test, we consolidate and manually review your:

  • Metabolic data

  • Movement analysis

  • Health and performance history

• We organize your results into a clear report summarizing your mechanical efficiency, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic health.

 

4. Your Personalized Review Session

• We walk you through exactly what your numbers mean — in plain language:

  • Efficiency of breathing

  • Substrate usage patterns

  • Cardiac and respiratory system efficiency

 

• Based on your assessment, we recommend next steps aligned with your performance and health goals:

• Core | 6 Movement Optimization Program (correct biomechanics and restore stability)
• Protect and Restore (P&R) Program (build conditioning and resilience safely)

 

You’ll leave with a clear action plan based on real data — not guesswork.

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What the AMR Values Reveal

 

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Why VO₂ Peak Isn’t the Full Story

 

Many gyms and health systems brag about VO₂ peak numbers.
At Fluid, we know VO₂ peak is only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

• Ventilatory efficiency (Ve/VO₂, Ve/VCO₂) is critical for real-world stamina.

• Fuel flexibility (RER) determines endurance — not just output.

• Movement economy impacts how much energy you waste or save.

• Heart rate recovery shows true cardiovascular health.

Without these factors aligned, even a “strong engine” runs inefficiently.

We measure everything that matters for performance, longevity, and resilience — not just the easy metrics.

Looking for additional reading?

Build the frame before the engine 

Physiology of heart rate zones

Cardio for Sports Performance

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How to Prepare for Your AMR Assessment

 

1. The Day Before and Morning Of

• Fast for at least 4 hours before your appointment.
  (Only water permitted.)

• No caffeine the morning of the test.
  (No coffee, tea, energy drinks, or stimulants.)

• No intense exercise for 48 hours before.
  (Light walking or stretching is acceptable.)

• Take any necessary medications unless advised otherwise by your provider.

2. What to Bring

• Comfortable athletic clothing (shorts, leggings, t-shirt, supportive shoes)

• Any necessary inhalers or medical devices

• Completed health history and intake forms (if sent prior)

3. During the Test

• You’ll wear a respiratory mask connected to our analyzer.

• You’ll complete either 1-minute or 2-minute stages based on your needs.

• The workload increases gradually under full supervision.

Important:
This is a controlled, scientific assessment — not a competition.
Stay steady, stay relaxed, and trust the process.

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After Your Assessment

You’ll receive:

• Your Health History Summary

• A detailed AMR and Cardiopulmonary Report

• Your Kinotek Movement Analysis (if performed)

• Your Personalized Action Plan tied to Core | 6 or the Protect and Restore (P&R) Program

Your program recommendations will match your specific needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Final Thought

Testing at Fluid Health and Fitness isn’t about finding out how “fit” you are.
It’s about understanding how your body truly operates — so we can build it smarter, stronger, and more sustainably.

Thank you for trusting us to help you move better, breathe better, and perform better — for life.

We look forward to seeing you at your AMR appointment.