Why Your VO2 Max Matters More Than Your Step Count

If you could track one number that shows how long and how well you'll live, it would be your VO2 max. In this episode of the 9 to 5 Wellness podcast, I'm diving into VO2 Max: what it is, why researchers treat it as a longevity biomarker, and how busy professionals can raise it. Many of my clients and patients put it this way: "I don't feel old, and I want to stay this way." If that sounds like you, start here. In this episode, you'll learn: What VO2 max is, and why it's also called your aerobic capacity How your heart, lungs, circulatory system and muscles work together to turn oxygen into ATP, your body's energy currency The study of more than 122,000 patients that linked a higher VO2 max to a lower risk of death from all causes, not just heart disease What counts as a "good" VO2 max for your age, sex, fitness level and altitude Where to get tested: university labs (often free), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) or a smartwatch estimate Her top 3 strategies and 2 favorite workouts for improving aerobic capacity ⏱️⏱️Time Markers 00:00 Welcome and Update 01:22 Why VO2 Max Matters 02:45 VO2 Max Basics Explained 06:21 Longevity Research Link 07:29 What Is a Good Score 09:25 Benchmarks and Personal Example 12:20 How to Test VO2 Max 13:34 Three Ways to Improve It 17:10 Go To VO2 Workouts 18:56 Wrap Up and Call to Action 🔗🔗Related Episodes If you liked this episode we think you'll enjoy this one too: https://9to5wellness.com/episode/key-biomarkers-of-metabolic-health/ 🔬🧪👩‍🔬Related Research Studies VO2 max ageing and all cause mortality The Role of VO2 max as an Indicator of Population Health 📚📖Books on the Topic Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD (2023) 80/20 Running by Matt Fitzgerald (2014) Send us Fan Mail 🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at:  https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟 My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead! 🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com   Follow me on IG and LI to learn more https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/