Aerobic Power is the ability of your body to take in, transport and use oxygen to produce energy.  The greater your aerobic power, the better your performance in sports like running, cycling, swimming, cross-country skiing and rowing.  Aerobic performance is largely determined by genetics and training status.  Some people have muscle fibers that are more geared towards endurance events.  These fibers fatigue slowly and have a high capacity for aerobic energy production.  With training the ability of the heart to pump oxygen rich blood and the ability of the muscles to extract and use this oxygen is improved.  It is possible to measure a person's oxygen consumption in the laboratory by collecting and analyzing expired air.  In the picture, a speedskater is having his oxygen consumption measured while skating at high speeds.  This took place in Salt Lake City prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics.  If you have a high speed internet connection click on the picture to view a short video.

JSC Students Performing Aerobic Capacity Testing