Why VO2 Max Matters
By Marmar Atallah, NASM-CPT, Pn1, IoM, FLEX
You may be wondering why we ask you to ride a bike or use a treadmill while breathing into a mask when you first visit The Longevity Clinic. After all, chances are you aren’t planning to compete in the Tour de France or run a marathon anytime soon!
The reason may not be obvious – but it’s compelling.
The test we do is called VO2 Max Oxygen Evaluation. It measures oxygen intake and outtake. So it assesses cardiovascular fitness, but it’s so much more.
The test turns out to be an excellent indication of overall health for most people. That’s why it’s your first step to living a longer, healthier, and happier life.
We carefully analyse your VO2 Max test results, alongside your Dexa Scan and Sleep Study. We then apply the latest cutting edge Clinical Informatics principles to develop your custom health and longevity plan.
My focus is on the fitness and lifestyle part of the equation, so let me point out the benefits of increasing your VO2 Max.
By using using oxygen more efficiently, you will :
What fitness plan is right for you? It’s impossible to say without knowing more about your individual situation – everything from your test results to your lifestyle preferences. Which is why you can safely ignore most fitness advice; it simply isn’t tailored to you and your own unique biomarkers.
But a few fundamental principles always apply.
● Prioritize Consistency: Regular training is crucial for long-term
progress.
● Listen to Your Body: Avoid overtraining and incorporate rest
days.
● Fuel Your Body: Eat a balanced diet to support your workouts.
● Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
For time-strapped professionals like those we often see at The Longevity Clinic, something called The Norwegian 4 x 4 Protocol can often be effective.
It Involves four intense 4-minute intervals at 90-95% of your maximum heart rate, followed by 3 minutes of active recovery.
The high-intensity intervals push your body to its limits, forcing it to adapt and become more efficient at using oxygen.
The frequent changes in intensity stimulate the body to improve its ability to deliver oxygen to the muscles. But this protocol is just one example of one component of a handcrafted plan. It is not right for everyone.
Which is why we will sit down with you to discuss what IS right for YOU.
