For the average person, understanding VO2 Max can be difficult. Although the name may cause people to ask many questions about it, it is actually quite simple to understand.
VO2 Max is a vital fitness measure that you should know about, regardless of whether or not you have heard it before. Your maximum oxygen capacity is a measure of how healthy and fit you are. It’s a great way to measure your fitness and to track it.
Why is this important? These are five reasons to be concerned about your VO2 Max.
What is VO2 Max?
Ever wonder how strenuous activities such as exercise can make your breath deeper and more efficient?
The respiratory cycle is where oxygen gets in your bloodstream. The oxygen is delivered to your muscles when your heart beats to circulate the blood. This oxygen is used to fuel chemical reactions that give your muscles energy. Your muscles require more oxygen to function properly.
The VO2 Max is the body’s capacity to absorb and use oxygen. It is the maximum amount of oxygen that you can absorb and distribute to your muscles and other body parts.
Your VO2 Max is a measure of how much oxygen your body can take. It can also measure how well your heart or lungs work. A higher VO2 Max usually indicates better physical fitness.
Your VO2 Max score is an indicator of your overall health.
How is VO2 Max Calculated
You must visit a medical facility that has the right equipment to accurately measure your VO2 Max. This equipment typically includes a heart monitor, a mask to allow for air and a comfortable mask for breathing.
A physician, such as a cardiologist or licensed fitness specialist, usually supervises the test. The test involves a series of specific, graded exercises that include upright cycling or treadmill.
These tests are performed using monitoring devices that record your body’s response to increased exercise intensity and your heart and lung function.
Five Reasons to Be Concerned about VO2 Max
There are many reasons to be aware of your VO2 Max levels. They are all interrelated. Here are some of the reasons you should be concerned about your VO2 Max level:
1. This may indicate respiratory health
VO2 Max focuses on the function of your cardiovascular system and respiratory system. It examines how they function together.
Healthy VO2 Max levels are a sign that your body is working well together. Low VO2 Max levels could indicate problems with your heart or lung health.
2. May Measure Athletic Performance
You may already be an athlete and know the importance of knowing your VO2 Max. Your maximum oxygen intake may be a significant factor in your ability to perform well in intense sports. This is particularly true for swimmers, cyclists, and runners. You can improve your athletic performance by increasing your VO2 Max.
3. Mental Health – Linked
Some studies show that VO2 Max levels can be linked to mental health. One study found that middle-aged men with high VO2 Max levels have higher depressive symptoms .
4. A good benchmark for overall health
Your total oxygen consumption can be viewed as a reflection on your physical fitness and overall health. Higher VO2 Max levels are linked to lower risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
5. Increased VO2 Max may increase longevity
It’s not surprising that higher VO2 Max levels are associated with longer life expectancy, as it is a sign of overall health. Simply put, increasing your maximum oxygen intake can increase your longevity.
A 2018 study found that increasing your VO2 Max levels can improve your cardiorespiratory function, and help you maintain your long-term health.
It also lowers stress levels and improves immune system.
How to Increase Your VO2 Max
Exercise
Experts will tell you that exercise is the best answer to this question. To increase your body’s ability to use oxygen, it would be best to move more.
You can choose from two types of training: high-intensity, interval training (HIIT), or low-intensity.
HIIT is:
- Perform the exercise for as short a time as possible.
- Resting
- For multiple rounds, repeat both phases
Low-intensity training is a less strenuous type of exercise you can do for a longer time. Although it is less effective at increasing your VO2 Max, it can still be done daily as it is less painful on the body.
Breathing exercises
It is important to exercise and eat well. Your training to increase your VO2 Max will also include your respiratory system.
An increase in lung volume can be achieved by learning and practicing correct breathing from the diaphragm. Exercises in breathing can also be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, which can help you increase your VO2.
A reflection on your health
Although it sounds technical, the importance of monitoring one’s VO2 Max is not just for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Even those who don’t exercise regularly can benefit from knowing their maximum oxygen consumption and monitoring it.
The VO2 Max can be a good indicator of a person’s fitness, but it is not a fixed number. It can be improved in many ways, and you will reap the benefits over time.
If you don’t have the motivation, it’s still possible. Get started today on improving your VO2 Max, becoming more fit and healthier!
