Fitness is often boiled down to numbers—mile times, heart rates, and flexibility metrics—but few are as coveted as VO2 max.
Once reserved for elite athletes, this oxygen efficiency measure is gaining popularity among everyday fitness enthusiasts.
So, is it worth chasing?
What is VO2 Max?
VO2 max is a two-digit number that accurately reflects how well your body absorbs and uses oxygen during exercise.
A higher score means better endurance and energy output, letting you sustain aerobic activities longer.
The test, however, isn’t for the faint-hearted.
It involves working out to exhaustion while hooked up to specialized equipment, and it costs hundreds of dollars.
What About Fitness Wearables?
For most people, though, wearable devices might offer a simpler alternative—though their accuracy remains debated.
If VO2 max testing isn’t your thing, experts suggest setting practical goals, like running faster or walking more.
After all, the best way to gauge progress might just be noticing how far you’ve come.
