Understand VO2 max to live longer & healthier…[3 minute read]
There aren’t many data points that correlate more with the age of death other than VO2 max.
I got down this rabbit hole while trying to be a more efficient runner and maximize training. If I am going to train everyday it shouldn’t be a waste of time.
What is VO2 Max?
VO2 max is like the amount of air you can cram into a balloon. The bigger the balloon, the more air it can hold, and the higher your VO2 max, the more oxygen your body can hold.
VO2 max is like the number of gears on a bike. The more gears you have, the more easily you can adjust your speed and power, and the higher your VO2 max, the more easily you can adjust your breathing and heart rate to meet the demands of exercise.
VO2 max is like the amount of fuel you can store in a car. The more fuel you have, the longer you can drive, and the higher your VO2 max, the longer you can exercise at a high intensity.
IT IS IMPORTANT.
VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, is a measure of your aerobic fitness. It is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. VO2 max is typically measured in milliliters of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute (mL/kg/min).
A higher VO2 max means that you can exercise more intensely and for longer periods of time. This is because your body is able to deliver more oxygen to your muscles, which allows them to produce more energy.
Peter Attia writes that VO2 max is one of the strongest data points to look at when measuring longevity. This is because a high VO2 max is associated with a number of factors that are linked to a longer lifespan, such as a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Here is a table of suggested VO2 max levels for different ages and genders:
