1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise

VO2 Max

By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: VO2 max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen your body can transport and use during exercise. VO2 max is often used as a measure of fitness. Fit people have a higher VO2 max and are able to use more oxygen efficiently. Regular exercise in your target heart rate zone can help improve your VO2 max.
Also Known As: maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity
Explore Exercise
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise
  4. Cardio Basics and Workouts
  5. VO2 Max>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.