Benefiting the Body with Structured Exercise – VO2 Max, Part 1

Benefiting the Body with Structured Exercise – VO2 Max Pt. 1

Last week it was about healthy eating and immunity, this week (and next– keep a lookout for part 2!) it’s more about cardiovascular health, exercise, and how the two affect your quality of life.

We want to give you a quick overview of VO2 max is and how joining us in our live, virtual fitness classes or maintaining your own structured workout plan can increase yours. Overall, we want you to leave this week’s post having connected the dots between your heart health and VO2 max!

VO2 max measures the maximum amount of oxygen you can utilize during intense exercise. In other words, it measures how well your body moves oxygen to the muscles you’re using during aerobic exercise (such as running or biking), before you switch over to anaerobic pathways.

There are many working parts to your heart, which all work together to pump oxygen out to your muscles. Your heart can either be really good at it, or really bad! If you don’t exercise (or you do, but you don’t ever push yourself out of your comfort zone), you may notice that intense exercise wears you out and NEVER seems to get easier.

This lack of efficiency can have lasting negative effects. On the contrary, a high VO2 max can have lasting positive effects…

“… Higher aerobic fitness levels are associated with numerous health benefits e.g. longer life span, better quality of life, reduced risks for stroke, heart disease, diabetes and cancer, improved mood and self-esteem, and improved sleep patterns.” (UC Davis Health, Sport Medicine Program)

It may not all make sense yet, but next week we’ll cover more specific parameters, especially in regards to age and gender! From this blog, you should gather that intense cardiovascular exercise should be included in your workout regimen for its cardiovascular benefits. Easy!

Guidance ~ Consistency ~ Growth ~ Self-esteem ~ Purpose

Find your optimal well-being with us here at Balanced Wellness. We’re available to offer you resources for exercise, nutrition, and wellness– encompassing everything you need to stay healthy during this uncertain time. Email us at info@balancedwellnessky.com or visit last week’s blog here.