Resting metabolic rate (RMR) test
Measures how many calories your body burns at rest, from your breath. You just recline and breathe for about 20 minutes.
Why it matters
Your resting burn is 60 to 75% of the calories you use each day. Get it wrong and every diet built on it is off too.
The test measures the oxygen you use and the carbon dioxide you breathe out, which converts directly into calories. So you can set a deficit, maintenance or surplus that fits your body, not an average.
What you get
Calories at rest
Your resting burn in calories per day, and how it compares for your age and sex.
Daily calorie targets
Pick your activity level and goal to get targets to cut, maintain or gain.
Full test graphs
Breathing and gas-exchange graphs you can share with your coach or dietitian.
Your visit
Before
No exercise for 6 to 8 hours, no food for 2 to 3 hours, and no caffeine or pre-workout. Water is fine.
The test
Recline in the lounge chair, wear a soft VO2 Master mask and breathe normally for about 20 minutes. Most people close their eyes.
Results
Your results are in your BodyStats dashboard the same day, ready to share with your coach or dietitian.
Full instructions: test preparation guide.
Questions
How accurate is it?
Within about 5%. Online calculators estimate from averages and can be off by 200 to 500 calories a day, especially if you carry more or less muscle than average.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, for 2 to 3 hours. Food raises your metabolic rate for a while and would skew the number. Water is fine.
How long does it take?
About 20 minutes of measuring, and about 30 minutes at the studio in total.
What’s the difference between RMR and TDEE?
RMR is what you burn at rest. TDEE adds everything you do on top of that. Read RMR vs. TDEE.
Know your real number
Book an RMR test in Vancouver or Toronto.