VO₂ max: Why your future self needs you to care today
Longevity has become one of the most talked about areas of wellness, and cardiorespiratory fitness stands out as one of the clearest indicators of long term health.
While healthy ageing is built on foundational habits and consistent daily behaviours, one metric offers a uniquely clear view of how these choices translate into long-term health outcomes: cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ max).
What is VO₂ max?
VO₂ max, a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness, is the highest amount of oxygen your body can use during hard exercise. It shows how well your heart, lungs and muscles work together to deliver and use that oxygen. VO₂ max is a number that already sits inside many wearable devices and can be measured easily through a fitness assessment.
From athletes to everyone
For years, VO₂ max has been spoken about mainly in the context of athletic performance. Today, science tells a broader story. Research now shows that VO₂ max matters for everyone, because it reflects how well your body uses oxygen to support everyday movement, overall wellbeing and long term health. It's a meaningful measure for people of all ages and fitness levels, not just athletes.
Why VO₂ max matters for your future health
Vitality's research shows that higher levels of VO₂ max are linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. These are conditions that shape the quality of life over decades, which is why this single metric is central to conversations about longevity.
"The most encouraging insight is how responsive VO₂ max is to small, sustainable shifts in behaviour," says Dr Mosima Mabunda, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Vitality. "You do not need extreme training or long hours of exercise to improve it. In fact, some of the most meaningful gains happen when someone moves from a low fitness level to a fair one."
These early improvements can contribute meaningfully to long term health and may help people feel encouraged to continue improving their fitness.
"This kind of progress is achievable for many people, including beginners, and can help establish positive habits that support long term wellbeing."
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Caring about your VO₂ max today can support better health outcomes in the future. By monitoring and improving this measure, you may support future energy levels, mobility and overall physical confidence. And those are the qualities that make a longer life a richer one too.
Find out more about VO₂ max and how you can earn Vitality points for improving yours: https://www.discovery.co.za/vitality/vitality-track-vo2-max
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your exercise, health or wellness routines, especially if you have existing medical conditions or concerns.