I did an intensive exercise test to find out how fit I am

Would you do an exercise test to see how fit you are?

When I was given the chance to see how well my heart and lungs work during a period of 'maximum exertion', I was a little hesitant. Having not been in the gym much during a busy summer filled with bread and cheese, it seemed like a daunting decision.

But maybe an insight into my cardiovascular health would be silly to pass up? I'm not training to run a marathon anytime soon, but I suppose I would like to know about any small lifestyle changes that could make a difference to my health and help me 'live better for longer'.

And I thought, "This might be the motivation I need to push myself a little harder in exercise."

So, I caved and signed myself up and braced for the 'intensive test'.

What is a CPET?

A CPET, or cardiopulmonary stress test, is a 'comprehensive heart and lung stress test' that aims to help provide a well-rounded view of your fitness for anyone from exercise beginners to elite-level athletes.

It uses five different metrics (explained by the experts in person) to give you a full picture of your cardiovascular health and inform any changes you might want to make, whether you just want to improve your fitness, are preparing for surgery, in rehabilitation, or want to cut seconds off your marathon time.

In a nutshell, it will show if your heart and lungs display a normal response to exercise and stress, and includes a 12 lead ECG which will show a fast, slow or abnormal heart rhythm. It will also show the maximum amount of oxygen capacity you have which can help with overall fitness and determining lung function. The data can help you understand how to improve fitness and provide personalised training zones and aerobic capacity.

In reality, this involved me cycling on an exercise bike, while wearing lots of electrodes (the sticky patches) on my chest, a rather suffocating mask (though still less sharp and irritating than a Covid mask) and having my blood pressure monitored throughout. I believe it can also be done on a treadmill for those more advanced...

There is no minimum or maximum fitness to perform a CPET, as long as you are able to use an exercise bike.

My thoughts

I arrived at the Harley Street clinic a little unsure of what to expect, but reassured that while the appointment was an hour, the CPET test itself would only last for 20 minutes, of which I would need to spend just 10 minutes exercising.

However, the test did still require my maximum effort to ensure the most reliable information was found. I just hoped I wouldn't keel over and topple off the bike...

My appointment began with the physiologist asking some questions about why I was there – yes, to write about it, but also to find out more about my health – and how much exercise I currently did. "It ebbs and flows", I told him — though it had dropped in recent months other than outdoor physical activity like long walks.

He took a lot of time explaining the test and what it involved before measuring my height and weight. I was then hooked up to the electrodes and he measured my heart and lung capacity and blood pressure before exercise. He explained it would only get particularly difficult towards the end and we would continue until 'the dogs started to bark', i.e. I couldn't go on anymore.

I had no difficulty cycling at first, but then as the intensity started to increase (a little like going up a hill) I became far more aware and irritated by the mask, my oxygen being taken throughout and all the wires. The mask was particularly claustrophobic, and I realised it would involve some mental endurance too to not entirely panic.

He was encouraging throughout, but the whole experience felt a little strange. "Why was I here in this basement room struggling for air on this exercise bike again?", "Why did I need to 'keep pushing'?"

I gave it as much as I could until he could see that, yes, the dogs were barking, and brought the test to an end. I pedalled slower for a while to cool down before removing the mask, getting my breath back and hopping off.

In some ways it was easier than I thought (the actual pedalling) and in some ways harder (doing it with all that gear). I felt just a little faint, but as he stopped it when I must have been showing signs of this, I finished without toppling off as feared.

The physiologist showed me his screen, made up of scientific complicated-looking charts and numbers.

He said I reached my predicted level of cardiovascular fitness and exercise capacity (or 98% of my predicted, which he said was basically reaching it).

The test summary on my results report says: "Heart and lungs display a normal response pattern to increased intensity of exercise suggesting normal dynamic function.

"Values achieved during testing reached predicted maximums revealing a normal level of existing cardiovascular fitness and exercise capacity. Cardiovascular training zones are indicated to help structure training sessions. Training zones should be performed at a minimum of Zone 2 with repeated efforts in Zones 3, 4 and 5 with minimal yet sufficient recovery."

However, my scores weren't so good for my power (uh oh), but apparently, I have the potential to improve this with more cardio (typically what I try to avoid too much of...).

He said my ECG looked normal during the session, which was reassuring as I've often wondered about whether I can feel irregularity in my heart. However, I was only monitored for a short period of time, and can see on the notes it says: "ECG difficult to interpret at times because of movement interference."

Pros experienced

• Test explained fully

• Results are explained in person, and a full report sent after

• Encouraging practitioner

• Better awareness of my fitness

Cons experienced

• Claustrophobic with the mask (to be expected but something to consider)

• Only monitored for a brief period (I imagine for heart regularity would need to be monitored for longer, and fitness results may be more accurate if monitored a few times)

• If you're paying for it, the price

Would I do it again?

While it was a bit of an odd experience, that can't really be described as enjoyable, I'm glad I did it.

I now have it confirmed that, yes, I need to do more cardio, among other things. Knowing my fitness is pretty much okay, but could be improved a fair bit, is both reassuring and motivating at the same time.

I wouldn't rush to do it again, and feel as though it may be more useful for athletes or those with a very specific goal, due to the cost. But, I would be tempted to return after trying to implement what I've learnt from the results to see if it makes a difference.

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