Why a Higher VO2 Max Can Help You Live Longer
As we age, maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness becomes more crucial than ever. One of the most effective ways to assess and improve your cardiovascular fitness is by focusing on increasing your VO2 max—a measure of how efficiently your body can use oxygen during exercise. Improving your VO2 max through regular cardiovascular exercise contributes to increased healthspan and lifespan.
What is VO2 Max?
VO2 max represents the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It’s often referred to as the ‘gold standard’ of cardiovascular fitness, as it directly reflects the efficiency of your heart, lungs, and muscles in delivering and utilising oxygen. Think of it like the engine of a car: the more efficiently it works, the better the car performs and the longer it lasts. Similarly, improving your VO2 max means that your body can work more efficiently, leading to increased fitness, quality of life and lifespan.
VO2 Max and Reduced All-Cause Mortality
The relationship between VO2 max and longevity is pronounced. A higher VO2 max is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, meaning individuals with better cardiovascular fitness tend to live longer. People with a higher VO2 max are also less likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease (Kodama et al., 2009). A graph from a study by Mandsager et al. (2018) presents a graph of the relationship between different levels of fitness and survival probability in a group of people with an average age in their 50s:
Adopted from Mandsager et al. (2018).
Mandsager, K., Harb, S., Cremer, P., Phelan, D., Nissen, S. E., & Jaber, W. (2018). Association of Cardiorespiratory Fitness With Long-term Mortality Among Adults Undergoing Exercise Treadmill Testing. JAMA network open, 1(6), e183605. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.3605.
How We Help You Improve VO2 Max
At Longevity Exercise Physiology, we determine your level of fitness the very first time you come to see us, and use that information to take you through a series of cardio protocols that progressively challenge your fitness and increase your VO2 max. We make sure to take the time to understand your condition/injury, needs and goals, and make the necessary adjustments to your cardio program so that you can continue to increase your fitness overtime.
Ready to take the first step toward to increase your fitness and lifespan? Call Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Pymble, Kingsgrove, Neutral Bay, Rhodes, Five Dock, Casey, Gungahlin, Coburg, Penrith, Rosebery, Marcurthur Campbelltown, Tindall Campbelltown, Pyrmont, Liverpool, Gladesville, Burwood and Ascot Vale today on 1300 964 002 to book your personalised session or a 15-minute free phone consultation and start your journey toward improved cardiovascular health and a longer life.
Written by Omar Barbar
Cited Research Papers:
Kodama, S., Saito, K., Tanaka, S., Maki, M., Yachi, Y., Asumi, M., Sugawara, A., Totsuka, K., Shimano, H., Ohashi, Y., Yamada, N., & Sone, H. (2009). Cardiorespiratory fitness as a quantitative predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in healthy men and women: a meta-analysis. JAMA, 301(19), 2024–2035. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2009.681.