#337: Why VO2 Max is the Greatest Predictor of Lifespan | Brady Holmer
Apr 9, 2024
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Brady Holmer, a science writer and endurance athlete, discusses the importance of VO2 Max in health, brain function, and longevity. He explains the link between aerobic capacity and mental sharpness, provides tips to improve VO2 Max, and shares his training protocols.
VO2 max is a key predictor of lifespan, reflecting overall health and cardiovascular fitness.
Regular exercise enhances brain health, vascular function, and oxygen exchange in muscles, impacting overall endurance.
Achieving and improving VO2 max levels significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, emphasizing its importance for longevity and health.
Deep dives
Importance of VO2 Max for Health and Longevity
VO2 max is crucial for cardiorespiratory fitness, directly reflecting one's health and potential lifespan. Endurance exercise training leads to heart and vascular system improvements, enhancing the body's oxygen uptake and utilization, vital for energy production and overall health. Cardiac output increases as the heart remodels, leading to improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to skeletal muscles, impacting both exercise performance and longevity.
Impact of Exercise on Brain Health and Endothelial Function
Regular exercise fosters brain health by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to neurons. Exercise promotes endothelial function, enhancing artery dilation and vascular health, crucial for overall cardiovascular fitness. Capillarization increases, aiding oxygen exchange in skeletal muscles during exercise, further boosting VO2 max and overall endurance.
Practical Applications and Metrics of VO2 Max
Achieving a VO2 max level above 15 ml/kg/min is essential for basic daily function like walking or climbing stairs. Higher VO2 max values, especially above 50, are considered elite, reflecting superior cardiorespiratory fitness. Increasing VO2 max by 3.5 ml/kg/min has been linked to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, emphasizing its significance for overall health and longevity.
The Importance of VO2 Max Testing
VO2 max testing is crucial for understanding an individual's cardiovascular fitness and overall health. By undergoing specific lab tests like the VU2 max test, individuals can determine their maximum oxygen consumption capacity. This test typically involves treadmill exercise that gradually increases in intensity until the participant reaches maximal effort. Through indirect calorimetry using a mask to measure oxygen consumption, the test can provide valuable insights into one's fitness level and cardiovascular health.
Significance of Zone 2 Training and the 4x4 Protocol
Zone 2 training plays a foundational role in improving endurance and cardiovascular health. This low-intensity exercise zone allows for maximal fat oxidation and improves mitochondrial function. Additionally, the 4x4 interval training protocol has shown to be effective in enhancing VO2 max. Studies have indicated that high-intensity interval training with intervals lasting between four to seven minutes can significantly boost VO2 max levels. Incorporating such protocols alongside zone 2 training can lead to notable improvements in overall fitness and performance.
Brady Holmer received a Masters degree in Human Performance from the University of Florida in 2023. He is an endurance athlete and a full-time science writer and researcher. He currently lives in Austin Texas with his wife and 1-year-old son.
In this episode we cover:
Brady’s exploration of human performance science
Effective ways to improve your VO2 Max for all ages
VO2 Max's role in health, brain function, and endurance
The link between aerobic capacity and mental sharpness
Simple steps to incorporate VO2 Max improvements into daily life
(00:00) Preview and Introduction (02:39) Introducing Brady Holmer (07:02) ATP, Mitochondrial Health & Energy Production (12:24) What is VO2 Max? (16:25) VO2 as a Metric for Longevity (20:14) Correlation bw VO2 Max and Cardiovascular Health (26:24) Long Term Benefits of Exercise (32:15) What Should Your VO2 Max Be? (38:40) How To Test Your VO2 Max (45:54) Ideal Conditions to Test VO2 Max (49:34) How To Optimise Your VO2 Max (56:45) Brady’s Training Protocols to Improve VO2 Max
The Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman
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