If you have tried one of the fitness tests, the next question is off course how the result should be evaluated. In this guide you will find reference values for different types of persons and populations.

The values below are fitness levels expressed as maximal oxygen uptake pr. kg body weight (ml/kg/min) - also termed "relative VO2max". The values are represent data from USA, Canada and 7 european countries. The third table represent how you would inteprete results on elite athletes.

Normal population - Males:

Normal population - Females:

 

World class athletes (running, bicycling, rowing, cross country skiing etc.):

The fitness value is calculated as maximal oxygen uptake divided by body weight. Therefore, in order to get a high value you should keep your body weight low and your circulatory capacity high.

The fitness value is a bit unfair to people with a high body weight. It is more difficult for bigger persons to achieve a high value than for smaller persons. A more fair comparison can be achieved by calculating a fitness value in wich maximal oxygen uptake is divided by body weight raised to the power of 0.73.

References:
Aerobic fitness norms for males and females aged 6 to 75 years: a review.
Shvartz and Reibold.
Aviat Space Environ Med. 1990 Jan;61(1):3-11.