Treadmill vo2 max estimation

[unclebabar]

I took a 5 minute 3.4 miles/hour vo2 max estimation test on a Life Fitness treadmill and the vo2 sub-max test on a Star Track (sp?) treadmill. My result on the Star Track was about twice higher than what I got on the Life Fitness. I also took the 3 minute Stair Stepper (?) test which scored me in between. Well actually I've taken all three tests several times on different occasions and have gotten a similar result for each treadmill test and a little more variability on the stair stepper but usually a consistent result when not fatigued or hungry.

Anybody else want to share their experience with these type tests?

(I was watching Marathon on Nova).

 

[gramboh]

Why not do the real one if you want to know? I'm thinking about it, it's not that expensive, the estimates from those machines seem way off.

 

[unclebabar]

I'm just curious but not curious enough to drive some where and pay money. plus i read some where maybe wikipedia that on real tests, you should have a medic present.

btw, how expensive is not that expensive?