How to increase your oxygen consumption to help safeguard against respiratory illnesses including COVID-19. Take a breath and find out how to improve your oxygen levels.
VO2 max (also maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake, peak oxygen uptake or maximal aerobic capacity) is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise. The name is derived from three abbreviations: “V” for volume, “O2” for oxygen, and “max” for maximum.
VO2 (or oxygen consumption) is a measure of the volume of oxygen that is used by your body to convert the energy from the food you eat into the energy molecules. It is commonly used to test the aerobic endurance or cardiovascular fitness of athletes / individuals before and at the end of a training cycle. VO2 max is measured in millilitres of oxygen consumed in one minute, per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg/min).
A recent article by the Royal College of Physicians gives detailed information on the links between respiratory illnesses like Flu and COVID-19 and your VO2 max
To summarise
An accurate test must be done in a lab, but you can try this basic formula, or check out the functions on your sports watch
15 x MAX HR / RESTING HR = VO2
Check out the Garmin VO2 Max Standard Ratings for your score
Remember we’re here for you whether or not you can make it to PerformancePro’s training studio. If you’ve any questions about your oxygen uptake or your training in general, just get in touch.