Here's a breakdown of its definition:
* Submaximal: It doesn't require you to run at your maximum effort, making it safer for a wider range of fitness levels.
* Aerobic Fitness: It assesses your body's ability to use oxygen efficiently during sustained physical activity.
* Distance Covered: The main measure of your performance is how far you can run in 12 minutes.
* Correlation with VO2 Max: While not a direct measurement, the distance covered is correlated with your VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake), a key indicator of aerobic fitness.
Essentially, the Cooper 12-Minute Run Test is a simple and practical way to estimate your aerobic fitness level.