VO₂ Max isn’t just about performance—it’s your aerobic reserve. Higher VO₂ Max improves recovery from illness, surgery, and stress by providing more energy for immune function, healing, and rehab. Patients with higher VO₂ Max have fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and better outcomes.

Low VO₂ Max is a stronger predictor of early death than smoking, diabetes, or hypertension. Massive studies show every small increase in VO₂ Max lowers mortality risk, with no upper limit to the benefits. For independence, aim for ~20 ml/kg/min; for longevity protection, 40+ is the sweet spot.