VO2 Max Demystified: The Oxygen Uptake Metric Linked to Longevity
VO2 max is the maximum rate at which your body uses oxygen during peak exercise, a strong predictor of cardiorespiratory health and longevity. While lab testing with a mask on a treadmill is most accurate, field tests and wearables can provide useful estimates; day-to-day factors and test conditions matter, so view VO2 max as a context-dependent snapshot to monitor over time. Regular aerobic training—especially with intervals—and weight management can boost VO2 max, but there’s no single number that fully defines fitness.
