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My First VO₂ Max & RMR Test Experience in Bali

 Ketut Adhi , Indonesia  Oct 18, 2025

As someone who doesn’t exercise regularly, this was an extraordinary experience for me. Taking the VO₂ Max and RMR tests for the first time made me truly understand my own physical capacity, where I currently stand, and what I can improve. It also gave me valuable insight into how I can work toward a better Global Fast Fit (GFF) score in the future.

On October 7th, 2025, Ety and I visited Performance Lab, a Bali-based team known for bringing professional-level fitness assessments directly to clients. What we found was both inspiring and educational, a model that aligns beautifully with GFF’s mission to make accurate, data-driven fitness accessible to everyone.

Watch the full video of my VO₂ Max and RMR testing experience at the following link: https://youtu.be/9H8CHw4CtJQ?si=9QvyzApzhgNBos2t

A Lab on Wheels

Unlike most fitness testing facilities that operate from a fixed location, Performance Lab is entirely mobile. Their setup can travel anywhere a motorized treadmill is available, from gyms to hospitals or even private studios. This flexibility allows them to reach clients across Bali without requiring a permanent lab. It’s an innovative approach that reflects today’s on-demand fitness culture.

During our visit, we documented several photos showing how compact and professional their setup is. The equipment runs wirelessly through tablet-connected software, creating a clutter-free and efficient environment. Filters are replaced after every client, underscoring their attention to hygiene and safety.

The Team Behind the Operation

The lab runs with a lean but effective four-person team:

Paul (Founder, Indonesia)
Joe (Co-founder, UK)
Lily (Support staff, Indonesia)
Novi (Administration, Indonesia)

Most of their coordination happens remotely. They only gather in person when a client session is scheduled. This streamlined model allows them to stay mobile, efficient, and responsive, a true startup mindset applied to sports science.

Partner Gyms and Locations

Performance Lab doesn’t operate a single main office. Instead, they collaborate with several partner locations:

LPD Gym (Denpasar)
Threshold Gym (Canggu)
3 Fit Kertalangu (Gianyar)
Kasih Ibu Hospital
Siloam Hospital

Our test took place at LPD Gym in Denpasar, a two-story facility that accommodates their treadmill and testing gear perfectly. When clients have specific medical conditions or cardiac concerns, tests are performed at one of their partner hospitals with additional doctor supervision and EKG monitoring, available as an optional service.

Professionalism in Motion

The workflow we observed was disciplined and smooth. On that day alone, four clients were tested, each handled with care and precision. Every stage of the process was clearly explained, ensuring the participant understood the purpose and benefit of the test. Mr. Joe, the co-founder from the UK, personally guided the sessions and provided technical explanations in fluent English. His professionalism and communication style made the process approachable, even for first-time clients like me.

Who They Serve

Performance Lab’s clients come from a mix of backgrounds: Indonesian nationals, expatriates, and even visitors from Jakarta who fly in specifically for their services. Surprisingly, local Balinese participants are still relatively few. To reach a broader audience, the lab promotes through community events, gym collaborations, and social media engagement, a strategy that has earned them a strong reputation among endurance athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Data, Consent, and Follow-up

Before testing, clients complete a basic health screening form. For this visit, we used our own GFF consent form, which Performance Lab kindly accepted. Ety observed that while they don’t keep full hospital-style medical records, they conduct all essential pre-test checks (like blood pressure) and deliver the final analysis report by email within 5–8 working days.

In our case, we received our full RMR and VO₂ Max reports exactly seven days after testing. All results were sent directly to my email in a complete and detailed format. Beyond that, Performance Lab offers an additional benefit, a 1-on-1 discussion session via video call to review and interpret the results. Clients can freely choose a convenient 30-minute slot for this follow-up session, making the experience even more personalized and educational.

If the session involves EKG monitoring at a hospital, the report takes slightly longer, around 10–12 days.

A Doorway for Collaboration

When we discussed potential cooperation between GFF and Performance Lab, their team was enthusiastic. They even suggested developing a digital version of the GFF consent form, co-branded with both logos, for use during joint programs. This kind of collaboration could pave the way for integrating real-world performance data into GFF’s benchmarking initiatives, something we’ve been working toward for a long time.

Final Thoughts

Performance Lab represents exactly the kind of innovation Bali needs in its growing fitness ecosystem, mobile, professional, and scientifically grounded. Their attention to detail, modern workflow, and client-focused approach position them as a valuable potential partner for GFF.

As we continue building the GFF network across Indonesia, this experience reminded me that fitness data shouldn’t be confined to elite laboratories, it should be accessible to everyone, anywhere. And with partners like Performance Lab, that vision feels closer than ever.

Written by Adhi Apriana, Global Fast Fit Bali

 

 

 

 

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