That's why VO2 max is important — even for those who don't run

You may have heard the phrase in the context of marathon runners and fitness fanatics. But here's a little life-wake-up call: Your VO2 max says more about your future health than almost any other measurement -- even if you never plan to run as much as a mile.

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What exactly is VO2 max?

VO2-max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body manages to use during physical activity. Higher VO2 max means your heart, lungs and muscles work together effectively to provide your body with energy. Low VO2-max? It could mean the opposite.

Research shows that VO2-max is one of the strongest predictors of future health and life expectancy, regardless of whether you are actively exercising or not.

In fact, VO2-max can tell more about your risk of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia than blood pressure, cholesterol or BMI.

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“But I'm not training, does it matter?”

Yes, it does. A low VO2 max is like a warning light in your car -- it can flash long before the “engine” actually starts cheating.

A large study published in Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with high VO2 max had 50% lower risk of dying from all causes compared to those with the lowest values. And here comes the kicker: The win was great even for people who didn't train hard, but who had good basic form.

In other words: You don't have to run a marathon. But your body needs to be able to deliver when it's needed.

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How do you know where you lie?

VO2-max can be estimated with various tools (some smartwatches try their hand), but for a really accurate measurement, a real test is needed.

Hos Livity (film) you have the opportunity to ask your Livity doctor to take a VO2-max test at one of our partners.

VO2-max suppliates the holistic health mapping, so you get not just a number, but a holistic plan.

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Can you increase VO2 max without becoming an exercise addict?

Yay! In fact, it takes less than you think:

• 3 short sessions a week with moderate to high intensity can make a huge difference.
• Little things count: Walk faster, take the stairs, put in a couple of minutes of faster walking on the way to the store.
• Research shows that people who walked 8,000 steps a day had significantly lower risk of death compared to those who walked 4,000 steps.

It's not about becoming a top athlete. It's all about getting your body to function as it's meant to do -- and enjoying a long, fresh life on the bargain.

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Are you curious about how your body is really doing?

Let us help you get the full overview, before small problems become big ones.
Take a Livity survey today and find out your health status — including the possibility of VO2-Max measurement!