LQ⁵ Labs · Westlake, Austin

DEXA Scan & VO₂ Max Testing

Know your body. Know your engine. Precise body composition, bone density, and cardiovascular fitness testing — with an expert walking you through every number.

  • DEXA $50 · VO₂ Max $99 — members save
  • Results explained before you leave
  • Physician-led LQ5 Labs

What It Is

Two tests. A complete picture.

Together, DEXA and VO₂ max testing answer two of the most important questions about your health: what your body is made of, and how well your engine runs.

Also at LQ5 Labs

  • Metabolic Rate Analysis — your resting metabolic rate, the foundation for nutrition and energy planning
  • Blood chemistry and biomarker assessments
  • MD consults with our Medical Director
Client wearing a VO₂ max testing mask on a treadmill with an LQ5 coach

DEXA Scan

30 min

Body composition, made clear. A DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring bone density — and it maps your full body composition, breaking down exactly how much of you is lean mass, fat mass, and bone. Quick, painless, and precise.

VO₂ Max Testing

1 hour

Know your engine. VO₂ max measures how efficiently your body takes in, moves, and uses oxygen during exercise — the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and metabolic efficiency.

Benefits

Why test your body composition and VO₂ max

The data takes the guesswork out of progress.

  • Trade guesswork for real data

    See exactly how much muscle, fat, and bone you carry — not an estimate from a bathroom scale.

  • Protect your bones

    Most of us hit peak bone mass in our early 30s. DEXA shows where you stand so you can act early.

  • Find your real heart rate zones

    The “220 minus your age” formula can miss your true numbers by 20 beats per minute or more. A lab test measures you directly.

  • Track a vital sign that matters

    Low cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the strongest predictors of future health risk — and one you can train.

  • Train smarter, not just harder

    Easy days that are truly easy and hard days that are truly hard, so every session moves you forward.

  • Measure real progress

    Retest to see whether your training, nutrition, and recovery are actually working.

What to Expect

What to expect

Simple prep, a straightforward test, and a clear walkthrough of your results.

  1. Book your test

    Choose a time below that works for you.

  2. Arrive prepared

    Follow the simple prep guidelines below so your results are as accurate as possible.

  3. Take the test

    DEXA: lie still for a quick, painless scan. VO₂ max: walk or run on a treadmill (or ride a bike) wearing a mask that measures your breathing as the effort gradually increases.

  4. Review your results

    We walk you through your numbers before you leave — and what they mean for training, recovery, and longevity.

DEXA Scan prep

  • Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing
  • Plan for about 30 min

VO₂ Max prep

  • Wear athletic clothing
  • Avoid heavy meals and caffeine for 2 hours before
  • Plan for about 1 hour — the exercise itself takes 10–15 minutes

Pricing

Lab pricing

Pay as you go. Members save on every visit.

  • DEXA Scan

    $50 / 30 min

    Members $40

  • VO₂ Max Testing

    $99 / 1 hour

    Members $79

  • Metabolic Rate Analysis

    $85 / 30 min

    Members $70

Every membership pathway includes DEXA and VO₂ max testing two to four times per year.

Why LQ5

Why test at LQ5 Labs

Because the data isn’t the point. What you do with it is.

  • Physician-led

    LQ5 Labs is guided by Medical Director Dr. Mark Tabarrok, MD, FAAP, who brings more than 20 years of medical experience.

  • Results explained, in person

    No printout and goodbye. An expert walks you through your numbers before you leave.

  • Lab-grade accuracy

    Smartwatch VO₂ max estimates are off by 13–16% on average. We measure your breathing directly.

  • Data that becomes a plan

    Results flow directly to our trainers and nutrition coach, who can build training, recovery, and nutrition around your real baseline.

  • Insight, never judgment

    Clarity surrounded by compassion — your numbers are a starting point, not a grade.

  • Right here in Westlake

    Find us at 2745 Bee Caves Rd Suite 105, Austin, TX 78746.

Book Now

Book your DEXA scan or VO₂ max test

Pick your test, choose a time that works, and we’ll walk you through what your numbers mean.

2745 Bee Caves Rd Suite 105, Austin, TX 78746

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a DEXA scan?

DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is the gold standard for measuring bone density. It also maps your full body composition — lean mass, fat mass, and bone — region by region.

Is a DEXA scan safe?

DEXA uses a very low dose of X-ray energy — far less than a standard chest X-ray. If you are or may be pregnant, please let us know before booking.

How should I prepare for my tests?

For DEXA, wear comfortable, metal-free clothing. For VO₂ max, wear athletic clothing and avoid heavy meals and caffeine for 2 hours before your appointment.

What happens during a VO₂ max test?

You’ll walk or run on a treadmill (or ride a bike) wearing a mask that measures your oxygen use as you breathe. The exercise itself takes 10–15 minutes; plan for about an hour total.

Who should get tested?

Anyone who wants to train smarter, support long-term health, or stay active as they age — not just athletes.

How is a lab test different from my smartwatch?

A lot more accurate. Studies comparing smartwatch estimates to lab results found they’re off by 13–16% on average — sometimes far more. If your training decisions depend on the number, get it from a lab.

How often should I retest?

For VO₂ max, every 12 weeks if you’re following a specific training plan, or every 6–12 months for general tracking. Retesting DEXA alongside your training shows how your body composition is changing.

How much does testing cost?

A DEXA scan is $50 ($40 for members) and VO₂ max testing is $99 ($79 for members). Every membership pathway includes both tests two to four times per year.

This information is for general wellness purposes and is not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your individual health.

Got Questions?

Our team is happy to help you find the right starting point — no pressure, just answers.

Call Book Your Test