Why VO2 Max Matters as You Age (And Why It's Not Just for Athletes)

Why VO2 Max Matters as You Age (And Why It's Not Just for Athletes)

If you're between 40 and 65, and you've ever felt intimidated by the idea of VO2 Max testing... you're not alone. The most common thing people tell me before the test even starts is: "Jason... I don't think I'm fit enough for this." And honestly? That's exactly why we do the test. Let me be clear about something: VO2 Max isn't an athlete test. It's a health test . A longevity test . A "how well will my body hold up over the next 10 to 20 years?" test. When you hear "VO2 Max," all it really means is: How well does your body use oxygen? That's it. Your ability to use oxygen determines how easy or how hard daily life feels—climbing stairs, walking uphill, playing with grandkids, getting through a long workday, even your recovery after exercise. As we get older, that "engine" naturally loses efficiency, faster than most people realize. That's why so many adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s start saying things like: "My workouts feel harder..." "Recovery takes longer..." "Energy isn't the same..." It's not just age. It's the decline in oxygen efficiency. And the VO2 Max test helps us catch that early, before it snowballs into bigger problems that keep you from living pain-free and active. You don't need to be "fit enough" for this test. You simply show up as you are. The goal isn't performance. The goal is clarity .

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