Cycling Test

If you plan to cycle or swim as your aerobic activity, select a test specific to those activities. The Åstrand bike test is simple to perform; it relies on increasing the resistance of pedaling, so you may find it uncomfortable (Åstrand and Rhyming 1954). Cycle at a predetermined resistance for 6 minutes, taking your heart rate every minute. Because of the need to take your heart rate during the test, it may be easier to have someone help you. Your oxygen consumption is then calculated using a nomogram, which you adjust for age (Åstrand 1960).