VO2 max measures the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during a period of physical exertion. The greater the flow of oxygen to your muscles, the better your body can transform nutrients into ATP, the molecular fuel that provides your muscles with the energy to contract and perform. It’s one of the most important metrics used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness.
What is VO2 Max?
The term VO2 max is a combination of three abbreviations. The “V” stands for volume per unit of time. The “O2” stands for oxygen. “Max” is short for maximum. VO2 max is also known as maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake, or maximal aerobic capacity.
An individual achieves a state of VO2 max when their oxygen consumption remains steady, despite an increase in workload. To accurately measure VO2 max, an individual must sustain a physical effort of sufficient intensity and duration to fully engage the aerobic energy system.
Why Is A High VO2 Max So Important?
Your VO2 max has a big impact on your health, physical performance, and life span. The higher your level of VO2 max, the better. A high VO2 max means your body is more effective at taking oxygen from the environment and distributing it to your muscles. Triathletes, marathon runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers, and other endurance athletes devote a good deal of time and effort to improving their VO2 max.
It’s important to remember that VO2 max varies greatly according to age and sex. (Factors like height and weight don’t have an impact on VO2 max.) For instance, a VO2 max score of 32 -37 is considered to be poor for men in their early twenties, but fair to average for women of similar age. The same score is considered to be very good to excellent for men and women aged 60 plus.
Boost Your VO2 Max With Top Tyr Training
Located in Torrance, CA, Top Tyr Training is one of the South Bay’s most popular personal training studios. We provide members with access to the latest in personal training and fitness technologies to boost their VO2 max number, including the CAROL bike, which adjusts resistance based on a rider’s performance and biometric measurements.
The CAROL bike is a great way to improve your VO2 max number. In a recent study by Western Colorado University of CAROL bike users vs. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity continuous training, the CAROL group increased their VO2 max by 12.3% while the 30-minute group only saw an improvement of 6.9%. That’s almost double the level of improvement!
No matter where you’re at on your fitness journey – just starting out, recovering from an injury, looking to lose some weight, or preparing for athletic competition – Top Tyr Training is here to provide the support, tools, and resources you need to achieve your desired level of fitness. Contact us through our website or call us at (424) 398-0041 to learn how our Top Tyr Training’s Torrance, CA personal trainers and equipment can take your fitness to the next level.