VO2 Maxxing Gains Traction as 750,000-Person Study Links Fitness to Longer Life
Updated
Updated · The Times of India · Aug 19
VO2 Maxxing Gains Traction as 750,000-Person Study Links Fitness to Longer Life
3 articles · Updated · The Times of India · Aug 19
Summary
VO2 maxxing is drawing fitness enthusiasts to chase maximal oxygen consumption as a shorthand for cardiorespiratory fitness and longevity, with smartwatch scores helping fuel the trend.
More than 750,000 U.S. veterans in one study showed an inverse, graded link between fitness and mortality, with the least-fit group facing about 4 times the death risk of the extremely fit.
A separate 5,107-man study with up to 46 years of follow-up found the highest midlife fitness group had nearly 5 extra years of life expectancy versus the lowest group.
150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week can help raise VO2 max, while HIIT can accelerate gains without requiring all-out daily training.
Wearables from Apple or Garmin only estimate VO2 max, and experts caution that age, sex, genetics and body composition all affect the score, making it a useful marker rather than a magic number.