VO2 max, also known as maximal oxygen consumption, is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption that the body can achieve during physical exertion. It is a measure of aerobic fitness and reflects the capacity of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as the rate of blood oxygen transport to active tissue. VO2 max is typically measured in milliliters of oxygen consumed in a minute per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg/min) . A higher VO2 max usually indicates better physical fitness.
Knowing your VO2 max can help you measure fitness and heart health improvements over time, and it is especially helpful for athletes who want to improve their aerobic fitness levels. VO2 max can be measured in a laboratory setting, but there are also wearable devices that can estimate VO2 max based on heart rate and other factors. To improve VO2 max, individuals can engage in regular aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of their workouts.
