Why VO₂ Max Is a Vital Sign (and Should Be Treated Like One)

Why VO₂ Max Is a Vital Sign (and Should Be Treated Like One)

VO₂ Max is a vital sign that predicts health, longevity, and resilience better than blood pressure, heart rate, or glucose. It’s measurable, repeatable, actionable, and trainable. High VO₂ Max offsets disease risk, supports recovery, and shows how much aerobic reserve you truly have—treat it like your body’s foundation.

How to Improve Your VO₂ Max: The 3-Part Protocol

How to Improve Your VO₂ Max: The 3-Part Protocol

Improve your VO₂ Max with a 3-part protocol: Zone 2 training to build your aerobic base, high-intensity intervals to raise your ceiling, and structured recovery to integrate gains. Timing, circadian-aligned light exposure, and mitochondrial signaling are key for lasting aerobic capacity and longevity.

Zone 2 Training: The Underrated Foundation

Zone 2 Training: The Underrated Foundation

Zone 2 training is the underrated foundation of endurance and longevity. It’s slow, steady exercise where your body burns fat efficiently, mitochondria multiply, lactate stays low, and recovery accelerates. This metabolic gear expands VO₂ Max, improves insulin sensitivity, and builds capacity that lasts.

VO₂ Max Intervals: How to Train at the Top of Your Capacity

VO₂ Max Intervals: How to Train at the Top of Your Capacity

VO₂ Max intervals are 3–5 minute efforts at 90–105% of your max heart rate—the sweet spot where oxygen delivery, extraction, and cardiac power are stressed most. Backed by research, these Zone 4 workouts raise your ceiling, expand VO₂ Max, and deliver the strongest longevity benefits of any training method.

The Redline Ratio: How Much of Your VO₂ Max Can You Actually Use?

The Redline Ratio: How Much of Your VO₂ Max Can You Actually Use?

Redline Ratio shows how much of your VO₂ Max you can actually sustain before fatigue. A high ratio means you access more of your aerobic engine efficiently, improving endurance, pacing, and resilience. Build VO₂ Max first, then train VT2 to raise your Redline Ratio for maximum performance.