The Basics
Age And Gender
Genetics
Training
Lifestyle
100

This term refers to the "V" in $VO2 max, representing the amount of oxygen used.

Volume

100

Because they have larger hearts and more hemoglobin, this gender usually has a higher $VO_2$ max

Males

100

his is the term for the biological traits passed down from parents that set an individual's initial $VO_2$ max levels

Genetics 

100

This type of training (like a long run) is the best way to improve $VO_2$ max.

Aerobic Training

100

This habit is the worst for $VO_2$ max because it damages the lungs' ability to take in air

Smoking

200

VO2 max is the gold standard measurement for this type of physical endurance.

Cardiovascular (or Aerobic) Endurance

200

This is the approximate age range where $VO_2$ max typically peaks.

18–25 years old

200

Scientists estimate that this percentage—exactly half—of your aerobic potential is determined by your DNA.

DNA

200

Training increases this—the amount of blood pumped out of the heart per beat.

Stroke Volume

200

his gas from smoke blocks oxygen from attaching to your red blood cells

Carbon Monoxide

300

This is the specific metric used to express VO_2 max relative to body weight.


ml/kg/min

300

As you get older, your $VO_2$ max drops because this "maximum" heart metric also decreases.

Maximum Heart Rate

300

Genetics determine the natural size and strength of this specific organ, which limits how much oxygenated blood can be pumped to the muscles.

Heart

300

This specific training method involves high-intensity bursts followed by rest.

Interval Training

300

Living in this type of high-up location can actually increase your red blood cell count.

High Altitude 


400

To reach VO_2 max, an athlete must be working at this level of intensity

100%
400

This blood protein, which is higher in males, is responsible for carrying oxygen to the muscles.

Hemoglobin

400

This term describes an athlete who, due to their genetic makeup, sees much larger improvements in $VO_2$ max from training than others.

High Responders 

400

Training increases the number of these tiny blood vessels around the muscles

Capillaries

400

This term describes a lifestyle with very little movement, leading to a weak heart.

Sedentary

500

In IGCSE terms, VO_2 max is the ability of the body to take in, transport, and do this with oxygen.

use (or utilize) it

500

After the age of 30, $VO_2$ max generally declines by this percentage per decade.

10%

500

Genetics dictate the density of these "powerhouses" in the muscle cells, which are responsible for actually using the oxygen to create energy.

Mitochondria

500

This "Threshold" is the point where the body can no longer keep up with oxygen demand.

Anaerobic Threshold

500

Since $VO_2$ max is measured per kg of weight, this lifestyle factor is key to a high score.

Body Composition / Weight Management