VO₂ max

noun

ˌvē-ō-ˈtü-ˈmaks 

: the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during a specified period of usually intense exercise

Examples of VO₂ max in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Under that gorgeous screen, the watch is packed with 32GB of storage, tons of sports modes to track your activities, and a myriad of other metrics, including overall stamina, sleep, VO2 max, recovery insights, and even wrist power. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026

Sarah ran on a treadmill to the point of exhaustion (to find her VO2 max); tested her sense of smell (since olfactory loss is a sign of rapid aging); and sat through all manner of scans and blood draws. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026

Cycling, swimming, rowing, and other cardio workouts can also challenge your heart and muscles enough to improve VO2 max. — Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 23 Sep. 2026

Apple says the assessments can look at flexibility, strength, balance, movement mechanics and VO2 max. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Participants in the exercise groups completed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling at 55 to 60% of their VO2 max in the evening. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Research shows that VO2 max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026

Wearables promise better health, but over-tracking every metric from sleep score to VO2 max can backfire. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

volume of O₂ maximum

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

VO₂ max

noun

ˌvē-ō-ˈtü-ˈmaks 

: the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during a specified period of usually intense exercise that depends on body weight and the strength of the lungs

called also maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake, max VO₂