What is VO₂ max or maximal oxygen consumption?

VO₂ max, or maximal oxygen consumption, measures the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during intense exercise. It reflects an individual's aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness. VO₂ max is usually expressed in milliliters of oxygen consumed per minute per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg/min). The efficiency of the lungs determines the value of delivering oxygen to the bloodstream, the heart's ability to pump oxygenated blood, and the muscles' capacity to use that oxygen for energy production during exercise. Factors like genetics, training status, and cardiovascular health influence VO₂ max.