Vo2 max is the amount of oxygen your body can absorb and use for fuel at an absolute level.

The higher your vo2 max, the greater capacity you have for physical activity and power output.

There is a direct relationship with vo2 max and life longevity. The higher one’s Vo2 max, the longer you live, on average.

There are numerous reasons but most important is that oxygen is what humans use for fuel to survive. The better one is at utilizing this the better their body and cells function.

There are three things guaranteed in life. Death, taxes and Vo2 Max decline. Vo2 declines 1-5% per decade before age 55, then 5-10% per decade after age 55.

A lower heart rate max and loss of fast twitch muscle fibers are the main reason for this decline in Vo2.

To prevent Vo2 loss, strength training and a balanced cardiovascular program are imperative.

The MOST important thing someone can do to prevent Vo2 loss is to MOVE. Walk, run, bike, taking the stairs, gardening, anything that will raise your hr and breathing frequency. Simply moving every day will minimize vo2 loss.

Using a metabolic analyzer like the one we use at FP Fitness is the most accurate way to measure vo2. This device indirectly measures oxygen absorbed in the tissue so there is no guessing. The assessments are best done on a treadmill or stationary bike.

If a Vo2 max assessment is not in your budget, you can go to a high school track and estimate your max. Check out our page on the “12 min cooper test” to find out how.

Our Vo2 max is 50% genetic and 50% how we trained as children (while our cardiovascular system was developing).

Studies have shown we can improve our Vo2 max from 10% - 50% depending on our training history and genetics.

Since Vo2 declines as we age its not the same for everyone. For example a Vo2 max of 30 ml.kg.min is excellent for an 80 year old but this same number is in the danger zone for someone in their 30s.

To know where you stand, check out our page on Vo2 Max norms.