The most important health metric you're probably not aware of shows how fit you really are.
The article from Fortune's Well section discusses VO2 max, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness that measures the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise. VO2 max is not just about how much oxygen one can inhale, but how effectively the body can transport and use it. The piece explains that while VO2 max can be improved through training, genetics play a significant role in determining one's potential. It highlights the importance of VO2 max for endurance athletes, particularly runners, as it directly correlates with performance. The article also touches on how VO2 max testing can be done in labs or estimated through field tests, and it's increasingly used in fitness apps and wearables to gauge health and fitness levels. Furthermore, it notes that VO2 max can decline with age, but regular exercise can mitigate this decline, emphasizing the health benefits beyond athletic performance, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Health & Fitness
Sat, March 8, 2025
