Author: Swati Jaiswal | Published: July 2025
Have you ever wondered what sets elite endurance athletes apart from the rest?
One key factor is their VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake. VO2 max is the maximum rate at which an individual can consume oxygen during intense exercise, measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute (ml/kg/min).
It's like the engine capacity of your body, determining how efficiently you can utilize oxygen to generate energy for your muscles.
But why is VO2 max so important?
VO2 max is a powerful marker of present and future health. Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality, and a plethora of other diseases.
In fact, exercise is often considered "medicine" because improved **VO2 max levels protect against all-cause morbidity and mortality.**
However, as a person ages, their VO2 max typically declines.
This often brings up an important question: What is a good VO2 max by age?
While several factors play a role, your genes hold the key to unlocking your VO2 max potential.
So, how do you tap into this valuable genetic information?
Let's dive deeper into the science and factors behind VO2 max and explore how genetic testing and gene-informed training can help you optimize your performance and health.
Your VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a key indicator of cardiovascular endurance.
In fact, a higher VO2 max represents the ability to perform better in endurance sports. With a higher VO2 max, you can push harder for longer.
But what determines this measurement of aerobic fitness? Let's break down the major factors that can impact your VO2 max reading.
Studies show that genetics can account for more than 50% of the variability in VO2 max among individuals. This underscores the importance of understanding your genetic predisposition to athletic fitness.